2027: Wike Rallies Support for Tinubu in Obio-Akpor, Vows to Resign if President Loses FCT, Rivers

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has mobilised political supporters in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Wike reaffirmed his support for Tinubu during a consultative meeting with stakeholders of the Akpor Kingdom in Obio-Akpor on Friday, where he urged political leaders and community stakeholders to work together towards securing electoral support for the President.

The former Rivers State governor also repeated his pledge to resign as FCT Minister if Tinubu fails to win the presidential election in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike said his involvement in Rivers politics was aimed at contributing to the development of the state and supporting its people. He maintained that political relationships should be guided by collective interests rather than lasting disagreements.

He also defended his decision to maintain an open political relationship with people who had previously opposed him, saying political strength depends largely on the ability to build a broad support base.

Wike described his appointment as FCT Minister under Tinubu as an outcome that had once appeared unlikely, considering their different political backgrounds. He said his continued support for the President was part of the political relationship that produced his appointment to the federal cabinet.

The minister urged politicians and community leaders in Rivers State not to be distracted by criticism on social media over his political activities. He called for a broad campaign structure that would involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, community figures and other residents.

In Obio-Akpor, Wike asked local political leaders to bring together residents across different groups because all eligible voters would play a role in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections.

He also referred to his political history in Obio-Akpor, recalling that he became the first elected chairman of the local government to secure a second term after its creation in 1989. He attributed his re-election at the time to the impact of his administration and his relationship with residents.

Wike identified Wards 15, 16 and 17 in Obio-Akpor as areas requiring particular attention during the mobilisation exercise. He said the three wards contain more than 200 polling units and could have a major influence on the local government’s electoral outcome.

He directed political leaders to appoint unit coordinators and door-to-door campaigners across the polling units. He also urged them to mobilise their families, relatives, neighbours and other supporters ahead of the election.

Wike further said he would continue to monitor the activities of elected local government officials and serve as a critic where necessary to ensure they remain accountable to residents.

The minister was accompanied at the meeting by Rivers State APC governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda and other political leaders.