By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying the state stands to gain more federal appointments and infrastructure projects.
Wike made the appeal on Monday during a meeting with Fubara-aligned youth leaders and supporters in Port Harcourt, where he called for unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged political leaders and grassroots supporters to set aside past disagreements and support Tinubu, arguing that Rivers State could gain greater political influence through strong backing for the President.
“All I want to hear in this state is Tinubu and nothing but Tinubu. If we play the role we are playing now, and we are one of the first three states that get the highest number of votes, we will get more of the appointments,” Wike said.
The minister said Rivers State had received several high-profile federal appointments under Tinubu’s administration. He also cited road projects, including the Bonny road, as evidence of the Federal Government’s investment in the state.
Wike urged youth leaders to return to their communities, reconcile with former rivals and prepare for campaign activities.
He said committees were working to address grievances and bring together members who felt excluded from the political process.
“I am not going to be governor again; this is for your own interest. I want this state to grow. I want this state to play an important role in the politics of Nigeria,” he said.
Fubara’s Supporters Pledge to Join Rainbow Coalition
Speaking on behalf of the governor’s supporters, former Port Harcourt Mayor Ezebunwo Ichemati pledged the group’s support for Wike’s political coalition and its plan to mobilise votes for Tinubu and other candidates.
Ichemati described the meeting as a step towards ending divisions between the Wike and Fubara camps, likening the reconciliation to a family resolving its differences.
He said Governor Fubara was aware of and supported the meeting with Wike, adding that grassroots youth groups would work with the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ichemati also credited Wike and Fubara with helping to bring the rival camps together. He said the group was ready to mobilise its supporters to secure electoral victories for the coalition’s candidates.
“The state has been held back for a very long time. Now that you are bringing this peace initiative down to the youths, who are the foot soldiers, I want to assure you that we commit ourselves to join our brothers in the Rainbow Coalition,” he said.
