Wike Reaffirms Political Grip in Rivers, Defends Tinubu Support Ahead of 2027
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that his political bloc remains firmly rooted in Rivers State, insisting that sustained pressure and threats since the 2023 general election have failed to weaken his camp.
Speaking on Saturday during a thank-you visit to the Port Harcourt Local Government Area secretariat, Wike said his political family had endured intimidation and attacks after openly backing President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, but remained resolute in its position.
“Nobody in this state can push us out. We have led this war since 2023. We have never reneged. There were no threats that didn’t come, and we stood firm,” the minister declared while addressing party leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths.
The visit formed part of Wike’s ongoing tour of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State, aimed at appreciating residents for their support during the 2023 elections and mobilising continued loyalty to Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
The former Rivers State governor maintained that Rivers had continued to play a critical role in the President’s political base, noting that his group paid an early price for aligning with Tinubu and the Renewed Hope agenda.
“If there is one state that the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State. In 2023, we led the war here. We were the Renewed Hope agenda people. From the beginning, we are the people of the Renewed Hope family,” he said.
Wike also took aim at politicians who, according to him, failed to support Tinubu during the election but now seek to associate themselves with the administration’s agenda.
“Those who were not there then, who went and supported Abubakar and refused to give him even 10 per cent, now want to lead the Renewed Hope agenda. Is it possible? You failed,” he stated.
Using a food-related analogy to underscore his point, Wike added: “You didn’t go to buy the pepper. You didn’t go to buy the salt. You didn’t go to buy the oil. Suddenly, the food is done. You now jump in and say, ‘I want to be the one that will eat first.’ Is that possible?”
He described Port Harcourt as a politically complex and diverse city, stressing that electoral victories there carry significant weight due to its cosmopolitan nature.
The minister further argued that Rivers State stands out nationally for its ability to bring together leaders from the two dominant political parties, a cooperation he credited with contributing to Tinubu’s emergence as President.
“This is the only state where you can see the two major political parties working together. Out of the 36 states and the FCT, mention one state that can assemble the leadership of party A and party B to work as a team. That has produced Mr President today,” he said, urging critics to “learn from us, not hate us.”
Wike concluded by calling for unity among political leaders in the state, reminding them that leadership is not permanent and must be guided by openness to feedback.
“A bad leader is one who, when advised, remains reluctant to change. But a good leader is one who listens to his people,” he said, while commending the Port Harcourt council leadership for its cooperation and encouraging them to sustain the momentum.
