{
  "id": 11497191,
  "title": "2027: Wike rallies Rivers support for Tinubu",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/2027-wike-rallies-rivers-support-for-tinubu-11497191",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T18:18:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/2027-wike-rallies-rivers-support-for-tinubu/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has urged political stakeholders in the state to rally behind President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. In a consultative meeting with Akpor Kingdom stakeholders, Wike emphasized his commitment to resigning as Federal Capital Territory Minister if Tinubu loses both the state and federal elections. He stressed that his involvement in Rivers politics is rooted in his desire to contribute positively to the state, urging political actors to set aside past disagreements and work towards a unified support base. Wike highlighted the importance of bringing together various groups, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders, as well as utilizing specific wards such as Wards 15, 16 and 17 in Obio-Akpor, which have a significant number of polling units. He directed political leaders to appoint unit coordinators and door-to-door canvassers to mobilize residents ahead of the election. Wike, who previously served as Obio-Akpor's chairman, emphasized his role as the state's \"Chief Critic\" and promised to continue monitoring local government officials.",
  "summary": "Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has rallied political stakeholders in Rivers State to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. According to the Punch, Wike made this call during a consultative meeting with stakeholders of Akpor Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.\n\nWike stated that his interest in Rivers State is driven by a desire to help the people, and that he is not seeking personal gain. As reported by the Daily Post Nigeria and Punch Nigeria, he emphasized that politics is about collective interest, saying \"there is no permanent enemy in politics; what we have is permanent collective interest.\"\n\nWike also reiterated his pledge to resign as FCT minister if Tinubu loses the presidential election in Rivers State and the FCT, as per Punch Nigeria and Daily Post Nigeria reports.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Nigerians dislike President Tinubu, may re-elect him in 2027 – British newspaper",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/nigerians-dislike-president-tinubu-may-re-elect-him-in-2027-british",
        "published": "2026-10-02T11:30:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "2027: Wike rallies Rivers support for Tinubu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/2027-wike-rallies-rivers-support-for-tinubu",
        "published": "2026-10-02T18:18:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}