Rivers 2027: Coalition will focus on strongholds — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the emerging “rainbow coalition” in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections will base its political strategy on areas where it enjoys electoral strength.

Wike made the remark on Monday during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

According to him, political actors involved in the coalition will assess ground realities before taking decisions on how to mobilise support.

“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We’ll look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.

The minister also distanced himself from the screening process of aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, saying he is not a member of the party.

“I’m not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment?” he stated.

Wike added that he would only comment on issues within his political scope, stressing: “What pertains to me is what I will talk about. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet.”

On governance, the FCT minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, noting that several of them were nearing completion ahead of planned inauguration activities.

He said contractors had assured the administration that outstanding works, including streetlights, would be completed before the end of May.

“We are very happy. They promised that before the end of the month they will finish the streetlights,” he said, naming Green Book and Lubrix as contractors handling some of the projects.

Wike also disclosed that the Dutse-Alhaji–M5 road project by Lubrix was progressing well, while another major road executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) had been completed, with only streetlights remaining.

“That road is already completed… they have promised within the next 10 days they will complete the streetlights,” he said.

He further highlighted progress on a major bridge project in the capital, noting that it had been completed structurally with connecting roads underway to link traffic towards Kubwa.

Describing the developments as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure delivery, Wike said the projects would be part of those to be inaugurated during the president’s third anniversary celebrations.

Reacting to complaints over alleged harassment during tax enforcement by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Wike acknowledged that tax compliance remained a challenge but said no formal complaint had been received by the FCT Administration.

He added that while tax collection should be conducted professionally, many residents often resist paying taxes.