Wike rallies Rivers monarchs for Tinubu’s re-election

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged traditional rulers and residents of Ogba Kingdom in Rivers State to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the president’s economic reforms and infrastructure policies offer hope for national prosperity.

Wike made the appeal on Saturday during a visit to the palace of the Oba of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Addressing the traditional council, the minister said political decisions directly affect the welfare, security and development of communities, despite the non-partisan status of traditional rulers.

“I know you are not a politician, but you are a Nigerian and a Rivers person, and whatever those in politics do will affect you.

“That is why we want to inform you and your council so that your people will not make a mistake in 2027,” he said.

Wike urged the people to assess political leaders based on their records in office rather than campaign promises, insisting that Tinubu deserved support for his economic reforms and commitment to infrastructure development.

Defending the president’s policies, he acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians but argued that repairing the country’s economy would take time.

“Solving the economy is not like going to a prayer house for instant healing. It is a process. The economy was in a comatose state, but we are seeing the results, and there is hope that these issues will be fully sorted out,” he said.

The minister also challenged former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi to account for his contributions to the Niger Delta while holding senior federal positions.

He questioned why the region’s seaports in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri had suffered neglect, asking voters to scrutinise the records of politicians seeking their support.

“Before we support anyone, we must ask: the opportunity we gave you before, what did you do with it?” Wike said.

He also cautioned against supporting the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, alleging that some politicians who repeatedly contest elections are motivated by the desire to recover money spent on previous campaigns.

Wike urged Rivers residents to support the ruling party across executive and legislative positions, arguing that political alignment would improve coordination and access to federal support.

“The President is doing quite well. Let us work together and maintain synergy to ensure our state remains strategically positioned,” he said.

Responding, the Oba of Ogba Land assured the minister that the kingdom was united in its support for Tinubu’s leadership.

The monarch praised Wike’s record in public service, saying his performance as FCT minister reflected positively on Rivers State. He also described the president’s re-election as important to the region’s political representation, economic development and long-term progress.