2027: Wike rallies Rivers support for Tinubu

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has urged political stakeholders in Rivers State to rally behind President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. During a consultative meeting with Akpor Kingdom stakeholders in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Wike emphasized his commitment to resign from his role as FCT minister if Tinubu fails in the election.

He urged political actors to put aside past conflicts and work towards a broader support base for the president. Wike stated, "My interest in Rivers State is for God to use me as a vessel to help our people. I am back here not for what I will get, but for what I will be to raise my people." He called for unity among traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders, emphasizing that all groups must be brought together for the upcoming elections.

Wike specifically highlighted Wards 15, 16, and 17 in Obio-Akpor, noting that these areas have over 200 polling units and could potentially defeat ten other wards in the region. He directed political leaders to appoint unit coordinators and door-to-door canvassers to mobilize residents ahead of the election. Wike recalled his tenure as the first elected chairman of Obio-Akpor, attributing his re-election to his relationship with residents and the impact of his administration, stating, "Anywhere, whether for burial or thanksgiving, I was always identifying with them."

He further pledged to continue monitoring elected local government officials in Rivers State, describing himself as the state's "Chief Critic."