Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike on Friday said Rivers State is spearheading support across the country for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking at the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Port Harcourt, Minister Wike insisted that his State was leading by example.
“I know after today, other states may inaugurate their own structures, but Rivers State will always lead the way,” he said.
“Support is not by mouth; we have shown commitment with action.”
The FCT Minister announced that ward-level inaugurations would follow, marking the official start of electioneering, while handing over buses to bolster mobilisation for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister Wike questioned the commitment of the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to Tinubu’s cause, warning that misalignment could forfeit federal rewards.
“You cannot have a Governor in the state while we are openly declaring support for President Tinubu and he is not aligning. How then do you expect a reward?” Wike asked.
Political loyalty, he argued, hinged on dedication rather than cash: “You don’t need N600 billion, all you need is commitment. That is what brings reward, even if it brings envy.”
The event underscored a “rainbow coalition” backing Tinubu, with Minister Wike thanking President Tinubu for endorsing joint candidates in upcoming by-elections on 21 February in Khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II.
The FCT therefore, urged voters to turn out en masse, regardless of party lines.
Rivers State coordinator Ambassador Desmond Akawor praised the turnout from both PDP and APC supporters.
In his remarks, Senator George Sekibo, who spoke for federal appointees, hailed President Tinubu’s unprecedented projects and appointments in the state.
“No President has embarked on projects of this magnitude while also appointing Rivers indigenes. Tell the President we are grateful,” he noted.
House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, on behalf of the National Assembly caucus, reaffirmed backing for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election – “What we did in 2023, we will do better in 2027. Politics is give and take.”
Support came from Rivers House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, former PDP state chairman Felix Obuah, PDP chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, and APC chairman Tony Okocha, all pledging full mobilisation.
