Nyesom Wike
Olamilekan Abayomi
Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has declared that Rivers State doesn’t need a governor to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Wike emphasized that the state’s political structure, comprising senators, assembly members, council chairmen, and party leaders, is capable of delivering a massive vote for Tinubu without relying on the governor’s office .
Wike made this statement while commissioning the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors headquarters in Port Harcourt, highlighting the group’s efforts to mobilize support for Tinubu across the state’s 23 local governments. He praised the coordinator, Desmond Akawor, for his grassroots mobilization drive and urged him to intensify efforts to ensure Tinubu’s victory in 2027.
The minister’s declaration is seen as a subtle jab at Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has been at odds with Wike since his inauguration. Wike emphasized that true political loyalty is demonstrated through local investments rather than external funding, implying that Fubara’s support is not needed.
Wike reiterated that Rivers State is a “no-go area” for anyone opposing Tinubu, stating that the state’s commitment to the president is unwavering. He challenged critics to assess the level of organization and grassroots mobilization in Rivers State, emphasizing that actions speak louder than words .
The commissioning of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ headquarters, which includes a radio station, situation room, and operational buses, was hailed as a significant milestone in the group’s efforts to mobilize support for Tinubu. Wike urged the ambassadors to deepen their grassroots structures and ensure that every corner of the state is reached.
Wike’s statement has sparked reactions from Nigerians, with some praising his influence and others questioning the effectiveness of his approach. The minister’s emphasis on grassroots mobilization and local investment has been seen as a strategic move to solidify support for Tinubu in Rivers State.
The development has also raised questions about the future of Governor Fubara’s re-election bid, with some speculating that Wike’s declaration could impact his chances. Wike has been accused of opposing Fubara’s re-election bid, fueling speculation about a power struggle within the state’s political landscape.
Wike’s declaration highlights the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, where regional and national interests often intersect. As the 2027 elections approach, the battle for support and influence is expected to intensify, with Rivers State emerging as a key battleground.
