Only Tinubu Can Win Rivers in 2027 – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is the only presidential candidate capable of winning Rivers State in the 2027 general election, urging political observers to remove the state from their calculations if they are not counting votes for the President.

Wike made the remarks during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, where he said a broad political coalition in Rivers State had agreed to support Tinubu’s re-election regardless of party affiliations.

According to the minister, the alliance brings together members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP), the Action Alliance (AA) and other political groups with the aim of pursuing the state’s interests while backing the President.

He said the coalition would support candidates considered most acceptable to the people, irrespective of the political party they belong to, stressing that those candidates should be viewed as representatives of the coalition rather than individual parties.

Wike stated that the alliance has continued to gain support across Rivers State and insisted that its primary objective is to secure President Tinubu’s victory in the next presidential election.

He dismissed claims that the arrangement was designed to strengthen any particular political party, maintaining that the focus remains on attracting more federal projects and development to Rivers State.

The former Rivers governor said the welfare and progress of the state remain his priority, adding that he would be satisfied as long as residents continue to benefit from government projects and programmes.

Reflecting on his political career, Wike said his experience, which spans from serving as a local government chairman to governor and now minister, has given him a deep understanding of politics and the expectations of the people.

He also recalled the 2019 governorship election in Rivers State, alleging that federal forces were deployed against him during the poll but that he emerged victorious despite the challenges.

According to the minister, his political influence is rooted in the confidence Rivers people have in his leadership, adding that public trust remains the foundation of successful politics.