Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has announced that the people of Rivers state have decided to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election. Wike, who is also the coordinator of the presidential campaign council in Rivers, made this statement during a campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. He attributed the state's support for Tinubu's re-election bid to the federal government's projects and political appointments in the state.
The rally, which drew a large crowd, was attended by Tinubu and members of his delegation. Wike described the turnout as evidence of the state's support for Tinubu's re-election bid, noting that the stadium's seating capacity of over 40,000 was filled with enthusiastic supporters. He emphasized that the people of Rivers state have concluded that they will vote for Tinubu on January 16, citing the president's commitment to the state through various federal projects and appointments.
Wike highlighted several projects that have been completed in Rivers state, including the Bonny-Bodo road and the establishment of the Federal University of Environment in Ogoniland. He also mentioned that at least 47 political appointments have been given to Rivers indigenes, demonstrating Tinubu's commitment to the state. According to Wike, this level of support from the federal government is unprecedented in Rivers state since the inception of democracy in 1999.
During the rally, Wike also criticized Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers governor and vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress. Wike challenged Amaechi to visit the state and account for projects and financial transactions allegedly undertaken during his stint in office. He questioned the outcome of an alleged fumigation exercise in Rivers, which he claimed had failed to eliminate mosquitoes.
Wike specifically asked Amaechi to explain the status of the Karibi Whyte Specialist Hospital project, alleging that $39 million had been paid for its construction. He also recalled Amaechi's role as director-general of the presidential campaigns of former President Muhammadu Buhari, claiming that the APC candidate failed to secure up to 15 percent of the votes in Rivers state in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections.
The FCT minister emphasized that Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to Rivers state, making him a political ally of the people. Wike's endorsement of Tinubu's re-election bid is significant, given his influence in Rivers state. The rally was a show of support for Tinubu, with thousands of supporters turning out to listen to his address.
The development is a boost to Tinubu's re-election bid, with Rivers state being a critical state in the presidential election. Wike's statement is also seen as a rebuke to Amaechi, who had been expected to play a significant role in the election. The January 2027 presidential election is expected to be a closely contested one, with several candidates vying for the top spot.
Key points
- Wike cites federal projects and appointments in Rivers state as reasons for the state's support for Tinubu's re-election bid.
