Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Rivers State residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, describing his administration as courageous for implementing difficult economic reforms.
Wike made the call on Monday during a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also endorsed the alliance’s preferred candidates for upcoming elective positions.
He cited the removal of the petrol subsidy as evidence of Tinubu’s willingness to take difficult decisions in the country’s long-term interest, despite the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.
Acknowledging the challenges facing citizens, Wike said the reforms had increased revenue available to state and local governments, creating opportunities for improved governance and service delivery.
“We know what Nigerians are going through, but we are sure that things will get better,” he said, stressing that effective leadership required the courage to make unpopular decisions.
The former Rivers State governor recalled that his administration had faced criticism over the construction of flyovers, but maintained that the projects eventually benefited residents despite temporary disruptions to businesses and transportation.
He urged voters to assess the records of political aspirants rather than entrust the country’s future to individuals he described as political gamblers.
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“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” Wike told the gathering.
The minister also urged residents to make informed political decisions, warning against misinformation and propaganda. He said the town hall meeting was organised to bring political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youths together to discuss the future of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Promoting the Rainbow Coalition, Wike said the alliance brought together members of different political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to advance peace, unity and development in Rivers State.
He disclosed that members of the coalition had agreed to work together and support candidates contesting under the APC platform in the forthcoming elections.
Wike urged Rivers voters to support Tinubu’s second-term bid alongside the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative and other elective positions.
“We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting. The two main political parties in this state are APC and PDP. They have joined together with other political parties to say, ‘Let there be peace in Rivers State, let there be development and unity,’” he said.
He further stressed the importance of cooperation between the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives, arguing that political stability and collaboration were essential for the state’s development.
Wike, who identified himself as a PDP national leader, expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders who attended the meeting, assuring them of the coalition’s commitment to peace and development.
