OMOKU, RIVERS STATE — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appealed to traditional rulers in Ogba Land, Rivers State, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that continuity in government would help sustain the administration’s economic reforms and development agenda.
Wike made the appeal on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during a visit to the palace of the Oba of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State.
Addressing the traditional council, the minister acknowledged that traditional rulers were expected to remain non-partisan but maintained that political decisions had direct consequences for their communities, including their security, economic welfare and access to infrastructure.
“Supporting Tinubu is a support for prosperity,” Wike said.
He explained that his visit was intended to engage traditional institutions and grassroots communities on the choices facing Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I know you are not a politician, but you are a Nigerian and a Rivers person, and whatever those in politics do will affect you.
“That is why we want to inform you and your council so that your people will not make a mistake in 2027,” he said.
Wike Urges Leaders to Assess Political Records
The FCT minister urged the traditional council and residents of Ogba Land to assess political leaders based on their records in public office rather than promises made during election campaigns.
He cited his tenure as governor of Rivers State, arguing that his administration delivered projects intended to improve the lives of residents across the state.
According to him, his relationship with communities was based on ensuring that government programmes and infrastructure projects produced visible benefits for the people.
“I am here because while I was governor, I could point at what I had done for the people. During my tenure, I never abandoned your people.
“That is the essence of government—making the people feel the impact,” he said.
Wike also questioned the contributions of some opposition politicians who had previously occupied senior public offices, arguing that voters should examine what they achieved before entrusting them with additional responsibilities.
He specifically criticised former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, questioning what he had attracted to the Niger Delta during his time in federal office.
The minister also expressed concern over the condition of regional maritime infrastructure, citing seaports in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri as facilities he believed had suffered from inadequate attention.
“Before we support anyone, we must ask: the opportunity we gave you before, what did you do with it?” he said.
The comments formed part of Wike’s broader argument that political support should be based on demonstrable contributions to development. His criticisms of opposition figures, however, represent his political position and were not accompanied by an independent assessment of their respective records during the meeting.
Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Wike also defended the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, acknowledging the difficulties associated with the country’s economic adjustments while arguing that addressing longstanding structural problems required sustained action.
He maintained that economic recovery could not be achieved instantly and urged Nigerians to allow time for the policies to produce results.
“Solving the economy is not like going to a prayer house for instant healing. It is a process. The economy was in a comatose state, but we are seeing the results, and there is hope that these issues will be fully sorted out,” he said.
The minister argued that continuing the administration’s policy direction would help consolidate its economic programme. His position reflects the government’s case for policy continuity, although the impact of the reforms remains a subject of public debate.
Wike also urged political stakeholders in Rivers State to work together across executive and legislative institutions, saying coordination between different levels of government was important for representation, communication and access to federal support.
“The President is doing quite well. Let us work together and maintain synergy to ensure our state remains strategically positioned,” he said.
His appeal comes as political actors and groups continue to organise support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Traditional Ruler Expresses Support for Tinubu
Responding to the minister, the Oba of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, expressed support for Tinubu’s leadership and emphasised the importance of political cooperation in advancing the interests of Ogba communities.
The monarch used a metaphor about undermining another person’s progress to criticise those who oppose what they consider beneficial for their neighbours.
“It is only a wicked man whose heart has no God in it, that sees his brother going for something good and he begins to pull the building on his bed. Such one should not prosper,” he said.
Obuoha-Obi also highlighted the importance of political representation, economic development and national unity, arguing that cooperation with the federal government could help the region advance its interests.
He commended Wike’s record in public service, particularly his infrastructure projects as former governor of Rivers State, and praised his appointment as FCT minister.
According to the monarch, Wike’s work in Abuja had reflected positively on Rivers State and demonstrated the contribution that public office holders could make when they focused on service delivery.
Wider Political Mobilisation in Rivers
The visit to Ogba Land formed part of Wike’s wider efforts to mobilise political stakeholders and community leaders in Rivers State behind Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The minister has also called for cooperation among political actors, traditional rulers and other grassroots stakeholders, arguing that a broad support base would be important in the forthcoming election.
At a separate Rainbow Coalition engagement in ONELGA, Wike defended the continuation of Tinubu’s economic reforms and urged Rivers residents to support candidates aligned with the administration’s political direction.
The mobilisation reflects Wike’s continued involvement in Rivers State politics despite his current position in the federal cabinet and his political association with the Peoples Democratic Party.
As the 2027 election approaches, his consultations are likely to remain part of the wider contest for political support in Rivers State. The positions expressed by Wike and the traditional council represent their stated views; the eventual electoral choices will be determined by eligible voters.
