RIVERS STATE, Nigeria — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on political stakeholders in Akpor Kingdom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Wike made the call on Friday during a consultative meeting with political stakeholders and community leaders, where he reaffirmed his support for Tinubu and urged local political actors to work together towards their shared electoral objectives.
The former Rivers State governor also reiterated his pledge to resign as FCT minister if Tinubu fails to win the presidential election in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Wike, his involvement in Rivers State politics is driven by his desire to contribute to the development of the state and improve the welfare of its people.
“My interest in Rivers State is for God to use me as a vessel to help our people. I am back here not for what I will get, but for what I will be to raise my people,” he said.
Wike Calls for Unity Among Political Stakeholders
The minister maintained that political alliances should be guided by collective interests rather than lasting hostility between political opponents.
“There is no permanent enemy in politics; what we have is permanent collective interest,” Wike said, stressing that political leaders should prioritise the needs of their communities.
He argued that expanding a political movement’s support base was essential to achieving electoral success and delivering democratic dividends.
Wike also urged his supporters not to be discouraged by criticism on social media over his willingness to engage with former political opponents.
According to him, political strength depends partly on the ability to bring people together across different backgrounds and interests.
Reflecting on his political journey and appointment as FCT minister, Wike said his working relationship with Tinubu had created an opportunity that had previously appeared difficult to achieve.
“You know how difficult, you know how impossible it looked, but he made it possible for us to produce the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,” he told the gathering.
Traditional Rulers, Clergy Urged to Participate
Wike called for an inclusive mobilisation structure across Obio-Akpor, urging political leaders to involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives and other residents in the electoral process.
“Obio-Akpor as a whole, whether you are a politician, whether you are a traditional ruler, whether you are a pastor, or whether you are a native doctor, I need everybody now,” he said.
He added that all eligible voters should be considered in the mobilisation effort, regardless of their social, religious or political affiliations.
The minister also drew on his experience as a former local government chairman, arguing that political officeholders need to maintain close relationships with the people and demonstrate the impact of their leadership.
“I was not elected two times because I was just chairman. I was elected because people felt the impact of governance and because I related with the people,” he said.
Wike urged incumbent council leaders to remain connected to their communities and ensure that residents could identify the benefits of governance.
Wike Identifies Three Strategic Wards
As part of the mobilisation plan, the minister identified Wards 15, 16 and 17 in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area as strategically important to the political calculations in the area.
He said the three wards contained more than 200 polling units and urged local leaders to organise their campaign structures across the units.
“We have over 200 units across three very important wards: Ward 15, Ward 16 and Ward 17. These three wards can defeat ten wards in Obio-Akpor,” Wike said.
He directed political organisers to deploy unit coordinators and door-to-door canvassers to engage residents and encourage participation in the election.
He also urged supporters to reach out to their families, neighbours and other members of their communities as part of the grassroots mobilisation effort.
Wike Reaffirms Political Commitment
The FCT minister reiterated his commitment to Rivers State, saying he would continue to scrutinise the performance of elected local government officials and hold them accountable to the electorate.
He maintained that political leadership should be measured by performance, public engagement and the ability to address the needs of the people.
Wike was accompanied at the meeting by Rivers State APC governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda and other political leaders.
His remarks form part of the political mobilisation taking place ahead of the 2027 general election, with political actors seeking to strengthen their support bases across the country.
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