FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has urged political stakeholders and residents of Rivers State to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that a strong electoral performance could attract more federal appointments and development opportunities to the state.
Wike made the appeal on Monday during an interactive meeting with supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and youth leaders in Port Harcourt, where he called for unity among political groups ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“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,” he said.
The minister argued that Rivers had benefited from federal appointments under the Tinubu administration and maintained that stronger electoral support could create additional opportunities for the state, particularly for young people.
He said his political priority was to ensure Rivers retained a significant voice in national decision-making and was not sidelined by successive federal administrations.
Wike also pointed to infrastructure projects, including the Bonny road, as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to development in the Niger Delta. He maintained that political cooperation with the centre could help the state attract further investment and public projects.
The meeting formed part of efforts to consolidate support for Tinubu through the Rainbow Coalition, a political platform bringing together supporters from different parties and political camps.
Wike urged local political leaders to put past disagreements behind them, reconcile aggrieved supporters and strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.
Acknowledging that political alliances could generate tensions and rumours, he called for calm and urged youth leaders to return to their communities to mend divisions and prepare for campaign committees and the President’s planned visit.
“We are talking for survival and growth,” he said.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to reconcile political camps associated with Wike and Governor Fubara after a prolonged dispute that divided political interests in Rivers State. Whether the emerging alliance can translate into a unified electoral operation will be tested as the 2027 campaign progresses.