Wike, Fubara’s supporters unite behind Tinubu as Rivers political rift eases

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, arguing that stronger electoral support could secure more federal appointments and infrastructure projects for the state.

Wike made the appeal on Monday during a meeting with Fubara-aligned supporters and youth leaders in Port Harcourt, where he called for reconciliation among rival political groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged party loyalists and grassroots leaders to set aside past disagreements and mobilise support for Tinubu, saying Rivers State could gain more from the Federal Government if it ranked among the states with the highest votes for the president.

“All I want to hear in this state is Tinubu and nothing but Tinubu. If we play the role we are playing now, and we are one of the first three states that get the highest number of votes, we will get more of the appointments,” Wike said.

The minister said Rivers had received significant federal appointments under Tinubu’s administration and argued that stronger electoral support could create further opportunities for the state, particularly its youths.

He also cited infrastructure projects, including the Bonny road, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development in the Niger Delta.

Wike said his political efforts were aimed at ensuring Rivers retained influence in national affairs, adding that he wanted the state to remain relevant in decisions affecting the country.

“I am not going to be governor again; this is for your own interest. I want this state to grow. I want this state to play an important role in the politics of Nigeria,” he said.

He acknowledged disagreements within political groups but said reconciliation efforts were underway to address grievances and prevent genuine members from being excluded.

Wike urged youth leaders to return to their local government areas, rebuild relationships and prepare for the formation of campaign committees and Tinubu’s planned visit to the state.

Speaking on behalf of Fubara’s supporters, former Port Harcourt mayor Ezebunwo Ichemati pledged that the group would work with Wike and the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for Tinubu and other candidates ahead of the elections.

Ichemati described the meeting as a turning point in Rivers politics, saying supporters aligned with Wike and Fubara were moving towards a common front after the political crisis that divided the state.

He said Fubara was aware of and supported the meeting, while crediting both the governor and Wike with helping to facilitate reconciliation.

According to Ichemati, grassroots youths who had previously supported opposing camps would now work together to strengthen the coalition.

He likened the reconciliation to a family resolving its internal differences and choosing to move forward together.

The meeting signals an effort to consolidate political support for Tinubu in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, although the extent to which the emerging alliance will translate into electoral gains remains to be seen.