Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, urging Rivers residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Wike, who spoke at a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, said sustaining Tinubu’s economic reforms was necessary to consolidate the country’s recovery.
He argued that the policies introduced by the current administration, despite the hardship associated with them, were necessary to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“Only the continuation of the economic reforms initiated by the Tinubu government can bring this country back from the economic comatose it was in before this present administration took over,” he said.
Recalling his political engagements ahead of the 2023 elections, Wike said he had urged Rivers residents to support Tinubu despite concerns about the possible consequences of his economic policies.
The minister warned voters against entrusting their future to politicians he described as political gamblers, singling out Atiku over his repeated attempts to become president.
“Do not put your destiny into the hands of political gamblers or kalo-kalo players,” Wike said.
He also criticised Obi, questioning the substance of some of his public engagements and urging Nigerians to assess politicians based on their consistency, policy direction and records in office.
“People should pick a stance and tell themselves: ‘This is who I am,’ not changing like a chameleon. Tinubu is the person who has shown true direction,” he added.
Wike also challenged Amaechi to account for his performance as Rivers State governor between 2007 and 2015, arguing that politicians seeking higher office should be questioned about their previous stewardship.
He urged voters to demand evidence of achievements from political leaders rather than make decisions based solely on promises and campaign appearances.
‘Vote APC Candidates’
Explaining the objective of the Rainbow Coalition, Wike called on Rivers residents to support Tinubu and candidates aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential and legislative elections.
He argued that cooperation between the executive and legislature was important for the implementation of government policies and the consolidation of economic reforms.
The minister also urged political leaders and grassroots mobilisers to intensify preparations for the elections.
“I want total mobilisation on the 16th of January 2027. Everybody mobilised make sure we vote and win decisively to protect our collective future,” he said.
Wike Visits Ogbaland Monarch
Earlier, the FCT minister visited the palace of the Oba of Ogbaland, His Eminence, Barr. Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, in Omoku, where he sought support for Tinubu’s re-election.
Wike acknowledged that traditional rulers were expected to remain non-partisan but said political decisions had direct implications for the welfare, peace and development of their communities.
Responding, Obuoha-Obi expressed support for Tinubu’s leadership, stressing the importance of unity and cooperation in promoting development in Ogbaland and Nigeria.
ONELGA Chairman Pledges Support
The Executive Chairman of ONELGA, Dr Chukwu Shedrack, commended Wike for development projects in the council, including road construction, hospital upgrades and human capital development initiatives.
Shedrack pledged the council’s support for Tinubu and APC candidates across elective positions in 2027.
“Your Excellency, we are fully mobilised, ward by ward, unit by unit. Come the 2027 general elections, ONELGA people will deliver 100 per cent, from President to National Assembly and House of Assembly—no vote will drop,” he said.
