Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prospects in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the president faces no serious political threat in the state.
Speaking before a mixed gathering of supporters from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, Wike said Rivers remains firmly aligned with Tinubu’s political future, stressing that the president can be assured of overwhelming backing from the state.
According to the minister, the political structure that delivered Rivers to Tinubu in the 2023 election remains intact and is determined to defend its role.
He maintained that neither intimidation nor last-minute political realignments would weaken their resolve to support the president’s second-term ambition.
“These are the foot soldiers of the Renewed Hope family.
“If there is one state where the president can go home and sleep with both eyes closed, it is Rivers,” Wike said, projecting confidence in the loyalty of his political base.
Furthermore, Wike recalled the resistance faced in 2023 when his camp openly supported Tinubu despite intense opposition, noting that Rivers voters stood firm and delivered victory against prevailing odds.
He argued that those now seeking relevance within the Renewed Hope agenda were absent during the most difficult phase of the political struggle.
He likened the situation to people attempting to claim credit after the work had been done, warning that such efforts would not succeed in Rivers.
“You were not part of the struggle, yet you want to take the glory. That will not happen here,” he said.
Meanwhile, the minister urged his supporters to ignore distractions and remain united, emphasizing that sustained cooperation was essential to securing Tinubu’s reelection.
He added that the purpose of his visit was to thank the people for their support in 2023 and to encourage continued solidarity, assuring them that governance outcomes in 2026 would surpass those of 2025.
Earlier, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Sir Allwell Ihunda, praised Tinubu for strengthening democratic governance at the local level, particularly through the presence of elected council chairmen.
He also commended Wike’s tenure as governor, citing extensive infrastructural projects that improved living standards across the state.
In the same vein, Mrs Blessing Amadi, who represents Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency, applauded Wike for promoting women’s inclusion in governance, noting that Rivers stands out nationally for appointing women as vice chairmen in all local government areas.
Similarly, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Smart Adoki, described Wike’s decision to back Tinubu in 2023 as courageous, adding that the state was already benefiting from that political choice.
He pledged continued loyalty to the minister, asserting that Wike still has more to offer the people of Rivers State.