Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on political leaders in Rivers State to build a broad-based political structure to mobilise votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. Wike made the call during a strategic consultative meeting with political stakeholders in Akpor Kingdom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. He urged party leaders and community influencers to close ranks ahead of the elections.
Wike emphasized that his political engagement in Rivers State is driven by the desire to advance the interests of the people, and that political differences should not prevent stakeholders from working together. He stated that his interest in Rivers State is to help the people, and that he is not in it for personal gain. Wike's pledge to resign if President Tinubu loses in Rivers State and the FCT underscores his commitment to the President's success.
The former Rivers State governor stressed that political alliances should be determined by collective interests rather than past disagreements. He urged his supporters to accommodate former political opponents, saying that there is no permanent enemy in politics, only permanent collective interest. Wike described leadership as requiring the ability to accommodate opposing views and cautioned his supporters against allowing criticism to distract them from their mobilisation efforts.
Reflecting on his appointment as FCT Minister, Wike credited President Tinubu for making possible what many had considered politically unattainable. He described his emergence as a member of the Federal Executive Council as a significant development in his political career. Wike's appointment has opened up new opportunities for him to contribute to Nigeria's governance.
Wike urged political stakeholders in Obio-Akpor to establish an inclusive mobilisation structure, involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, community figures, and other influential groups, irrespective of their political affiliations. He stressed that electoral mobilisation should extend beyond established political structures to ensure that all eligible voters are reached. This approach, he believes, will guarantee a broad base of support for President Tinubu.
The FCT Minister also urged local government leaders to strengthen their relationships with constituents, citing his experience as the first elected chairman of Obio-Akpor to secure a second term after the council's creation in 1989. He attributed his re-election to his record in office and personal engagement with residents. Wike identified Wards 15, 16, and 17 in Obio-Akpor as strategic areas in the forthcoming elections.
Wike directed local political leaders to deploy coordinators across polling units and intensify door-to-door mobilisation. He pledged to continue monitoring elected council officials and holding them accountable for their performance, describing himself as the state's chief critic. The meeting was attended by the Rivers State APC governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda, and other political leaders.
Key points
- Wike tasks Rivers leaders with mobilizing for Tinubu in 2027.
- Wike pledges to resign if Tinubu loses in Rivers State and FCT.
- Wike urges inclusive mobilisation structure to guarantee broad support for Tinubu.
