FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no one can push him or his supporters out of Rivers State or stop them from backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Wike made the statement on Saturday during a “thank you” visit to Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, recalling the pivotal role Rivers played in delivering votes for Tinubu in 2023 despite immense challenges.
“In 2023, we led the struggle here. We were members of the Renewed Hope Agenda from the very beginning and that was when we took the decision to support Tinubu,” Wike said.
He condemned those who are now trying to claim leadership of the movement despite having stayed away during the 2023 campaign.
“Now, those who were not there then, who went and supported Atiku Abubakar and refused to give him even 10 per cent votes are now coming that they want to lead the Renewed Hope Agenda. Is it possible? You were not there from the beginning. You didn’t go to buy the pepper, you didn’t go to buy the salt, and you didn’t go to buy the oil. You did not participate in all these things. Suddenly food is done; you now jump in and want to be the one that will eat first. Is that possible? Nobody in this state can push us out,” he added.
Wike urged his supporters to remain focused and undeterred by distractors, describing them as the “foot soldiers of the Renewed Hope Family.”
“If there is one state that the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers,” he said, emphasizing the state’s crucial role in supporting Tinubu.
The visit, according to Wike, was also a gesture of gratitude for the people’s support in 2023 and a call for continued unity, with promises that 2026 would be even better than 2025.
Earlier, Mayor of Port Harcourt, Sir Allwell Ihunda, lauded Tinubu for ensuring democratically elected council chairmen in the state and commended Wike for executing impactful projects during his eight-year governorship.
“We are ready for your directives on what to do in 2027. As soon as the directive comes, we will step into action,” Ihunda said.
Mrs Blessing Amadi, representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency, praised Wike for promoting women in politics, noting that women were appointed vice chairmen in all local government areas of the state.
“This is the only state in the country that has given women so much recognition and we applaud you for this,” she said.
Mr Smart Adoki, representing Port Harcourt II in the State Assembly, also thanked Wike for his bold support of Tinubu in 2023, saying the people of Rivers are now reaping the benefits and pledging continued loyalty.
“Wike has more to offer to the people, and we will follow his lead,” Adoki affirmed. (NAN)
