Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday intensified political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Rivers State politicians and residents to sustain their support for President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during a luncheon organised by the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt for candidates contesting the forthcoming governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in Rivers State, Wike said the state had benefited significantly from the Tinubu administration through federal appointments and development projects.
The former Rivers State governor argued that Rivers people should assess the gains recorded under the current administration compared to previous governments.
“From 2023 to now, compare what Rivers State has benefited under this administration with what it got under previous governments. Look at the appointments and opportunities that have come to Rivers State. Compare them and tell yourselves the truth,” he said.
According to Wike, President Tinubu had demonstrated goodwill towards Rivers State, making continued support for his administration necessary.
“President Tinubu has shown so much appreciation to Rivers people. We have no choice but to continue supporting him,” he added.
The FCT minister also used the occasion to strengthen the influence of the Rainbow Coalition, declaring that the political group would shape the future of politics in the state.
“If you want to be relevant in Rivers politics, come and join the Rainbow Coalition. If you want to be governor, senator, House of Representatives member or councillor, come and join us,” Wike stated.
He urged party loyalists and candidates to focus on grassroots mobilisation rather than media visibility, insisting that elections are won through effective political structures at the ward and local government levels.
“Television will not give you votes. What gives votes is going to your polling units, your wards and your local governments. Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward and deliver your local government,” he said.
Wike further appealed for reconciliation among political actors in the state, assuring aggrieved politicians that there was room for unity within the coalition.
“I am using this opportunity to forgive everybody. Come back home sincerely and let us work together for the progress of Rivers State,” he said.
The minister also warned against attempts to destabilise the state, stressing that Rivers people would defend their collective interests.
“Rivers people are peaceful, but nobody should take our peaceful disposition for granted. Nobody can come here and hijack what belongs to our people,” he said.
He maintained that competence and good governance, rather than ethnic or religious considerations, should guide leadership choices.
“It does not matter where a leader comes from. What matters is that the person will not make us regret supporting him. Our concern is good governance and the development of Rivers State,” Wike added.
The event attracted several political stakeholders, including governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Alliance (AA), Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Sam Ejekwu and Ben Eke respectively, while the Labour Party candidate, Chima Bons, was represented.
Others present included APC State Chairman Tony Okocha; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Aaron Chukwuemeka; Senator Allwell Onyesoh; Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor; Ambassador-designate to Ireland, Chief OCJ Okocha (SAN); Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Senator Magnus Abe; and the Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Boma Iyaye.
The political leaders commended Wike for bringing together major political figures across party lines in Rivers State.
