2027 elections: Wike meets Rainbow Coalition Youth, says Atiku not trustworthy, Obi fake

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has attacked opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, describing the former as untrustworthy and the latter as a “fake man” while declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing members of the Rivers Rainbow Coalition youths in Port Harcourt, where he urged them to mobilise support for Tinubu and other candidates backed by the coalition.

Speaking about Atiku, the minister questioned the former vice-president’s credibility, claiming that his statements often changed depending on the circumstances.

“I have been in the same party with Atiku Abubakar. He is not a man who keeps to his words. What he says in the night is not what he says in the morning,” Wike said.

He also described Atiku as a political gambler, questioning his repeated presidential ambitions and suggesting that he was driven by personal interests.

Wike equally criticised Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, calling him a “social media president” and accusing him of projecting a false image of concern for ordinary Nigerians.

“You can make him the president of social media so that he can be going to IDP camps to be celebrating their birthdays and buying corn on the road,” he said.

The FCT minister defended his alliance with Tinubu, arguing that Rivers State had benefited significantly from the current Federal Government.

He claimed that at least 49 indigenes of Rivers State currently occupy prominent federal government positions, describing the figure as unprecedented.

Wike also cited the Bonny-Bodo Road and bridge project as evidence of the benefits of supporting the Tinubu administration, saying the infrastructure had improved access to previously difficult-to-reach communities.

“We’re not looking for those who are fine or finer. We’re looking for those who will do something that will positively impact on Nigerians and also impact on Rivers people,” he said.

Reaffirming his position, Wike declared that Rivers State would support Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, urging coalition members to mobilise voters across communities and among grassroots political leaders.

“Whether you are Atiku, whether you are Obi, Rivers State is for Tinubu!” he declared.

Wike also announced that the Rivers Rainbow Coalition would formally unveil its candidates on October 27, adding that the group was committed to supporting Tinubu and its preferred candidates in the state.

Speaking at the event, the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda, promised to prioritise youth development, vocational training and community development if elected.

Chinda said his proposed administration would reform the state’s education system to give greater attention to technical and vocational skills from primary to secondary school.

He argued that Rivers State should develop a workforce capable of meeting local demand for skilled artisans rather than relying on workers from other places.

“There will be no compromise. We can only build the state if we build the youths,” he said.

Chinda also said local government chairmen across the state’s 23 local government areas would be expected to prioritise youth welfare and vocational training centres.

Other speakers, including the Rivers Rainbow Coalition Youth Coordinator, Chima Aguma, and the state chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Bani Nwisabari, pledged support for Tinubu and the coalition’s candidates.

Nwisabari presented Wike with a recognition plaque for what he described as his contributions to political inclusion and unity, while the President of the National Union of Rivers State Students, Justice Uranta, promised to mobilise students across the state and beyond for the coalition’s candidates.

The rally forms part of efforts by Wike and his political allies to consolidate support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.