By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Rivers State political stakeholders to unite behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, promising greater federal appointments and development opportunities for the state.
Wike made the call on Monday in Port Harcourt during a meeting with supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and youth leaders aligned with the governor.
He urged party faithful and grassroots mobilisers to set aside past disagreements and work together to secure massive votes for Tinubu, stressing that Rivers State could gain greater political influence through strong electoral support 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,” he said.
The FCT Minister said Rivers State had benefited from federal appointments under Tinubu’s administration, adding that stronger support for the President could create further opportunities for the state, particularly its youths.
He also cited ongoing federal infrastructure projects, including the Bonny road, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development in the Niger Delta.
Wike called for reconciliation among political groups, assuring aggrieved members that committees were working to address grievances and promote unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged grassroots youth leaders to return to their communities, rebuild political relationships and prepare for the establishment of campaign committees and Tinubu’s planned visit to the state.
“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.
Earlier, former Port Harcourt Mayor, Ezebunwo Ichemati, who spoke on behalf of Fubara’s supporters, pledged the group’s readiness to work with Wike and the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for Tinubu and other candidates.
Ichemati described the meeting as a turning point in Rivers State politics, saying it signalled renewed cooperation between the Wike and Fubara camps after their prolonged political differences.
He said Governor Fubara was aware of and supported the meeting, while commending both
leaders for contributing to the reconciliation process.
Describing the political crisis as a family dispute that had been resolved, Ichemati assured Wike that grassroots youths previously involved in the political divide would now work together to strengthen the coalition.
"Every family has its own peculiarity in problems. What matters most is that the family comes together, the children watch what has divided them, and decide to move forward."
"If today a marriage faces a problem, some children will go to their father, some will go to their mother. But when a truce is made, the family comes back together—and that is what has happened today,” he said.
Ichemati pledged that the group would mobilise its supporters to deliver votes for the coalition in the 2027 elections.
“We commit ourselves to join our brothers in the Rainbow Coalition. What you see here today will transform into a force that will deliver."
What you see here today will transform into a force that will deliver. We don't want to say much. All we can say is: test us, try us, and we will deliver,” he said.
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