2027: Wike stakes ministerial seat on Tinubu’s Rivers, FCT victory

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, urging political leaders in Rivers State to mobilise support for the President.

Wike spoke during a strategic consultative meeting with stakeholders of the Akpor Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He also reiterated his pledge to resign as FCT Minister if Tinubu loses the presidential election in both Rivers State and the FCT in 2027. Wike had previously made the same commitment during an engagement with traders and mechanics in Abuja.

Addressing the Rivers stakeholders, Wike said his political involvement in the state was driven by his desire to contribute to its development rather than personal gains.

“My interest in Rivers State is for God to use me as a vessel to help our people. I am back here not for what I will get, but for what I will be to raise my people,” he said.

The former Rivers governor urged politicians to prioritise collective interests, arguing that political strength depends on building a broad support base.

“There is no permanent enemy in politics; what we have is permanent collective interest,” Wike said.

He also urged political actors in Obio-Akpor to work across different sections of the community, including traditional institutions, religious groups and other local stakeholders, ahead of the elections.

“For the purpose of voting and elections, we must bring everyone together,” he said.

Wike recalled his tenure as chairman of Obio-Akpor, saying his re-election was influenced by his relationship with residents and the impact they perceived from his administration.

“I was not elected two times because I was just Chairman. I was elected because people felt the impact of governance and because I related with the people,” he said.

He identified Wards 15, 16 and 17 in Obio-Akpor as important areas in his mobilisation efforts, noting that they contained more than 200 polling units collectively.

Wike directed local political leaders to deploy coordinators and canvassers to polling units and mobilise residents ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also dismissed concerns over criticism of his willingness to work with former political opponents, saying expanding the political base was more important than past disagreements.

The minister further said he would continue to monitor political developments in Rivers State and hold elected local government officials accountable to the electorate.

Wike was accompanied at the meeting by Rivers State APC governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda and other political leaders.

His comments come as political actors across the country intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.