Wike Urges Rivers Leaders to Close Ranks as Andoni Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to political leaders and stakeholders in Rivers State to set aside differences and work collectively in the interest of the people, saying unity remains key to attracting development to communities across the state.
Wike made the appeal on Friday in Andoni Local Government Area during a visit that formed part of his ongoing appreciation tour of the state’s 23 local councils.
The tour, which reached its 20th stop in Andoni, is aimed at thanking residents for their support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections while also mobilising grassroots backing ahead of 2027.
Addressing community leaders and supporters, the former Rivers State governor said the coming together of leaders from different political platforms had reshaped the state’s political landscape.
He described the arrangement as a broad-based alliance that cuts across party lines, stressing that collective leadership would open more opportunities for Andoni and other areas.
“See what unity has done. It is no longer a time when one man will be the Iroko, where one man will decide what good will come to Andoni. By the special grace of God, by the unity of the leaders, more will come to Andoni.
“We don’t have a party in Rivers State. What we have is the Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope Family.
“And so I want all of you to continue to play that role you played in 2023 by making sure we continue to support Ahmed Bola Tinubu. There’s no negotiation about that,” Wike said.
He added that while internal political issues within the state would be addressed at a later date, lessons had been learned from the last election cycle and corrective steps would be taken going forward.
Earlier in his remarks, Andoni Local Government Chairman, Lucky Otuo, welcomed the minister and expressed appreciation for what he described as Wike’s continued engagement with grassroots communities. He reaffirmed the area’s commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“Andoni people are grateful people. We are grateful to you. Your Excellency, come 2027, Andoni people will vote for Mr President.
“From 2027, if you don’t believe in our mandate, nobody will step into this land of Andoni. They will see fire. Tinubu is our mandate. If you don’t believe in our mandate, you will see fire,” Otuo said.
The visit drew political leaders, community elders and supporters, reinforcing Andoni’s place in the wider mobilisation efforts ahead of the next general elections.
