Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he can confidently await the 2027 presidential election results in Rivers State, asserting that the president’s political base in the state remains solid and secure.
Wike’s comments were delivered during a “thank-you” visit to supporters in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area on Saturday, as he canvassed continued backing for Tinubu ahead of the next general election.
Wike described Rivers State as a reliable stronghold for the All-Progressives Congress (APC) under the umbrella of what he termed the Renewed Hope Family, a cross-party support grouping that he said played a decisive role in the 2023 presidential election.
“If there is one state that the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State,” Wike said, reiterating his confidence that detractors cannot undermine the APC’s influence or displace its supporters in the state.
Speaking to a crowd that included members of both the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Wike recounted how the people of Rivers stood behind Tinubu in 2023, contrasting that commitment with those who aligned with opposition candidates but failed to deliver significant votes.
“Those who were not there then … now want to be the ones to lead the Renewed Hope Agenda. Is it possible?” he asked, emphasising loyalty and shared political history as foundations of continued support.
The minister also urged supporters to remain steadfast and undeterred by political distractions that, in his view, sought to weaken their resolve.
He portrayed the visit as both a gesture of gratitude and a call to maintain unity and momentum as the 2026 political calendar unfolds, asserting that the year would be an improvement in 2025 and a pathway to success in 2027.
Local political leaders echoed Wike’s sentiments, with Sir Allwell Ihunda, Mayor of Port Harcourt, praising President Tinubu for bolstering democratic governance through the establishment of elected council chairmen.
Other supporters highlighted Wike’s development track record during his tenure as governor, describing his leadership as transformative for the state and promising continued loyalty.
Wike’s assurances come amid ongoing political realignments in Rivers State, where internal party dynamics and cross-party cooperation have shaped evolving electoral strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As political actors deepen mobilisation efforts, the focus on Rivers as a strategic battleground underscores the state’s perceived importance in national electoral calculations.
Further engagements by Wike and allied leaders are expected in the coming weeks as preparations intensify for the 2027 political cycle and alignment of support structures across the state.
