The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Rivers State residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, arguing that continuity in government is necessary to sustain Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Wike made the appeal during a town hall meeting organised by the Rainbow Coalition in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he maintained that the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration were necessary to address the country’s financial challenges.
The minister recalled his political engagements ahead of the 2023 general election, saying he had encouraged the people to support Tinubu despite concerns over the difficult decisions expected from the incoming administration. He insisted that subsequent developments had justified his position.
Wike cautioned voters against entrusting the country’s future to politicians he described as persistent presidential aspirants, specifically criticising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He also faulted former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, questioning the political significance of some of his public engagements.
Turning to Rivers politics, the FCT minister challenged former state governor Rotimi Amaechi to account for his administration’s management of public funds between 2007 and 2015 before seeking another leadership position. He argued that political aspirants should be assessed based on their previous records in office.
Explaining the objectives of the Rainbow Coalition, Wike called for coordinated support for Tinubu and candidates aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the presidential, National Assembly and other elections. According to him, securing legislative support would help the President implement his economic policies.
He also directed political leaders and grassroots mobilisers to intensify preparations for the January 16, 2027 election, urging supporters to ensure a decisive victory for the President and other candidates endorsed by the coalition.
Earlier, during a visit to the palace of the Oba of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, in Omoku, Wike appealed to traditional rulers to support Tinubu’s second-term bid, noting that decisions taken by elected leaders had direct consequences for their communities’ security, welfare and development.
Responding, the monarch expressed support for Tinubu’s leadership, stressing the importance of unity and progress. The Chairman of ONELGA, Dr Chukwu Shedrack, also commended Wike for development projects in the area, including road construction, hospital improvements and human capital development initiatives.
Shedrack pledged that the local government would mobilise voters in support of the APC across elective positions in 2027, assuring the minister that the mobilisation effort would extend to the grassroots, including wards and polling units.
