2027: Wike courts Rivers power blocs for Tinubu, preaches unity as Fubara crisis deepens

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has intensified efforts to mobilise political support for President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, urging leaders across party lines to close ranks and sustain unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike’s call comes against the backdrop of escalating political tension in the state, following renewed impeachment moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, further widening the rift between the former governor and his successor.

The FCT minister made the remarks on Friday during his “thank-you” visit to Andoni Local Government Area, the 20th stop in his ongoing tour of the state’s councils to appreciate support for Tinubu in the 2023 elections and galvanise backing for his re-election bid.

Addressing community leaders and party faithful, Wike said Rivers had moved beyond partisan politics, with leaders uniting under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition” in support of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“See what unity has achieved. This is no longer a time when one man decides what comes to Andoni. Through the unity of leaders, more development will come to this area,” Wike said.

He insisted that political differences in the state had been set aside in favour of a collective agenda, declaring that support for Tinubu in 2027 was non-negotiable.

“In Rivers State today, we don’t talk about parties. What we have is the Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope family. I urge you all to sustain the spirit you showed in 2023 and ensure we continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.

Wike acknowledged that local political disputes would be addressed at a later time, but maintained that the mistakes that defined the 2023 elections in the state would not be repeated.

Earlier, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Lucky Otuo, welcomed the minister and assured him of the community’s unwavering support for Tinubu in the next election cycle.

“Andoni people are grateful to you. Come 2027, we will vote massively for Mr President,” Otuo said, warning that any challenge to the community’s political stance would be strongly resisted.

“Tinubu is our mandate. Anyone who does not believe in our mandate will see fire,” he declared.