PORT HARCOURT – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Saturday boldly declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already secured victory in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 presidential election, urging supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation to deliver overwhelming votes for the President.
Wike made the declaration at a Rainbow Coalition luncheon for political candidates in Port Harcourt, where he insisted that Rivers people had no reason to abandon Tinubu, given what he described as the enormous benefits the state has received under the current administration.
“If you are talking about presidential election here, it is gone,” Wike said. “Compare what Rivers State has gained between 2023 and 2026 with what it got in over two decades before now. The difference is clear. We have no option but to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The former Rivers governor argued that no previous administration had demonstrated the level of commitment and appreciation shown to Rivers State by the Tinubu government.
According to him, federal appointments, infrastructure development and other benefits enjoyed by the state within the last three years surpass what Rivers received under several past administrations combined.
“Let us tell ourselves the truth. Since 1999, compare what Rivers State benefited from previous governments with what has come in just three years under President Tinubu. The facts are there for everybody to see,” he stated.
Wike also launched a massive mobilisation drive, directing members of the Rainbow Coalition to return to their communities and secure votes for the President from the grassroots.
He stressed that elections are won at polling units and not through media appearances or television debates.
“Television does not win elections. Elections are won in polling units, wards, constituencies and local governments. Everybody must go back and deliver his polling unit, deliver his ward, deliver his constituency and deliver his local government,” he charged.
The minister unveiled what he termed “Operation Deliver Your Polling Unit” and “Operation Deliver Your Vote,” urging coalition members to take ownership of the electoral process and ensure victory for Tinubu and allied candidates.
Wike further predicted that the Rainbow Coalition would emerge as the dominant political force in Rivers State, maintaining that the alliance had already established a formidable structure capable of winning future elections.
He assured supporters that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the state’s political stability or derail its development.
“God has blessed Rivers State and nobody can put this state down. If we remain united and committed, we will continue to achieve greater things,” he said.
In a move aimed at fostering reconciliation, Wike extended an olive branch to aggrieved politicians and former allies, declaring that he had forgiven everyone willing to return and work for the progress of the state.
“I am forgiving everybody. Let those who left come back home sincerely. We are ready to receive everybody because what matters is the development and unity of Rivers State,” he said.
The FCT Minister also dismissed claims that his political decisions were influenced by ethnic or religious considerations.
“I have never done anything based on ethnicity or religion and I will never do so. What matters is good governance and ensuring that our people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he stated.
Wike maintained that Rivers State must continue to play a leading role in national politics, urging stakeholders to remain united behind the Rainbow Coalition’s vision for peace, development and electoral success.
The luncheon was attended by political leaders, candidates, party stakeholders and supporters drawn from across Rivers State.
