2027 Polls: Wike Says Tinubu Is Rivers’ Only Path To Victory, Unveils Statewide Coalition
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike has advised political analysts making projections for the 2027 general elections to “cancel Rivers” if President Bola Tinubu is not considered the frontrunner in the state.
Wike, who spoke on Wednesday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, insisted that only President Tinubu can win the presidential election in Rivers State next year.
He revealed that a wide political coalition made up of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, All Progressives Congress, APC, Labour Party, LP, Action Alliance, AA, and other groups has agreed to collaborate for the progress of Rivers State, while also supporting Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
“If anybody is counting Rivers, go now and cancel it. The only person that can count Rivers is Tinubu. I am not talking because I want to talk; I am talking as a political realist because I know my people,” he declared.
The former Rivers State governor explained that the coalition was formed to rise above party lines by backing individuals deemed most capable of advancing the state’s interests.
“Today, we have PDP, APC, Labour Party, AA all together. We have candidates across different political parties for the House of Assembly and National Assembly. We will support the candidate who is most acceptable. Whoever emerges should not be seen as APC or PDP; the person should be seen as the coalition’s candidate,” he said.
According to Wike, the alliance is enjoying growing support across Rivers.
“All we are doing is for one purpose to support President Tinubu. It is all-inclusive and it is spreading like wildfire,” he added.
The minister rejected claims that the arrangement was meant to favor any single political party, stressing that the main goal is to secure more development for Rivers State.
“For me, what matters is Rivers State. If Rivers State is relevant because projects are coming and people are benefiting from government, then I am satisfied. It is not about personal ambition; it is about the interest of the state,” he stated.
Wike, who recounted his journey from local government chairman to governor and now minister, said his years in politics have shown him that effective politics demands strategy and an understanding of what the people want.
“I have been in politics since 1999. Nobody can teach me politics or tell me how to navigate it. Politics is about leadership and understanding the interests of your people,” he said.
Recalling the 2019 governorship election in the state, Wike alleged that an extraordinary show of federal force was used against him, but he still came out victorious.
“I saw what federal might means. Military personnel came with battalions as if Rivers State was at war. We survived it by the grace of God and fought back,” he said.
He maintained that his political influence comes from the trust the people of Rivers State have in him.
“Once the people trust you, they believe that what you tell them will happen. Leadership is about carrying the people along and that is what we have continued to do,” Wike added.
