Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed his unwavering commitment to securing President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. Speaking during town hall meetings with the Rumueme and Apara kingdoms in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike revealed that securing Tinubu's second term has become a constant focus of his thoughts. He emphasized that his daily activities are now centered around ensuring the president's re-election.
Wike urged the people of Rivers State to set aside political sentiments and support Tinubu, citing the president's recognition of the state through appointments and what he described as dividends of democracy. He expressed confidence that Tinubu would have a smoother path to victory in 2027 than he did in the 2023 presidential election. Wike also highlighted Tinubu's developments in Rivers State and appointments of Rivers indigenes into key positions in his administration.
The FCT minister attacked some opposition politicians seeking to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 election, particularly Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi. Wike accused the duo of deceiving Nigerians and argued that they lacked the credibility to defeat Tinubu in the election. He also predicted that the ADC would not secure the mandatory 25 percent of votes required in Rivers State.
Wike described Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and other opposition candidates as "unelectable politicians." He urged his supporters and political allies in Rivers State to remain focused and avoid distractions arising from internal disputes and communal disagreements. Meanwhile, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, has made a pledge to donate his salary and allowances to widows across the state if elected governor in 2027.
Lulu-Briggs unveiled his governance blueprint, titled 'Reset Rivers State,' which aims to run an administration anchored on transparency, accountability, and selflessness. He promised to create opportunities for young people to pursue their ambitions and invest heavily in human capital. Lulu-Briggs identified young people as the strength of society and said his administration would not solely depend on the state's natural resources.
The NDC candidate pledged to reform the state civil service, which he described as the engine of government. He attributed its weakening partly to the concentration of contracts and government activities at the Government House. Lulu-Briggs also promised major investments in healthcare, particularly through the rehabilitation and activation of primary healthcare centers across the state.
Lulu-Briggs maintained that his ultimate goal was to use public office to restore trust, expand opportunities, and ensure that the state's natural wealth translated into improved living conditions for Rivers residents. His pledge to relinquish his salary and allowances is seen as a move to demonstrate his commitment to selflessness and restore public confidence in government.
Key points
- Wike pledges support for Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid.
- Lulu-Briggs pledges to donate salary to widows if elected governor.
- Lulu-Briggs unveils 'Reset Rivers State' governance blueprint.
