Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has told opposition parties to stop counting on Rivers State for the 2027 presidential election, saying only President Bola Tinubu could carry it.

Speaking at his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Minister Wike said a pragmatic cross‑party alignment of state politicians — drawn from the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, the Labour Party, the Action Alliance and smaller groups — had agreed to back Tinubu’s re‑election bid.

“If anybody is counting Rivers, go now and cancel it,” he said, adding that his remarks reflected political calculation rather than bravado.

The coalition, Minister Wike said, is structured to prioritize candidates perceived as best able to deliver projects and benefits for Rivers over strict party loyalty.

“We have candidates across different political parties for the House of Assembly and National Assembly. We will support the candidate who is most acceptable,” he said.

“Whoever emerges should not be seen as APC or PDP; the person should be seen as the coalition’s candidate.”

Minister Wike described the arrangement as an administrative, development‑focused strategy rather than an attempt to boost a single party.

“For me, what matters is Rivers State. If Rivers State is relevant because projects are coming and people are benefiting from government, then I am satisfied,” he said.

He also described the alliance as expanding rapidly across the State.

“It is all‑inclusive and it is spreading like wildfire,” he said.

He also invoked his political longevity and experience — from local council chairman to governor and now minister — as the basis for his assessment of electoral dynamics in Rivers.

Recounting the 2019 governorship contest, Minister Wike alleged that federal security forces were deployed in numbers he likened to military battalions, but said his camp prevailed.

“We survived it by the grace of God and fought back,” he said.

Minister Wike argued his influence rests on popular trust in his leadership.

“Once the people trust you, they believe that what you tell them will happen,” he said, adding that successful politics requires strategy and responsiveness to constituents’ expectations.