FCT minister says cross-party coalition is gathering momentum, insists support for President is spreading across Rivers
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the only presidential candidate capable of winning Rivers State in the 2027 general election, urging opposition parties to remove the state from their electoral calculations.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said a broad political coalition made up of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP), the Action Alliance (AA) and other political groups had agreed to work together in Rivers State while backing President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The former Rivers State governor said the coalition was built around the interests of the state rather than political party loyalty.
“If anybody is counting Rivers, go now and cancel it. The only person that can count Rivers is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I’m not talking because I want to talk; I’m talking as a political realist because I know my people,” Wike said.
According to the minister, the coalition would support candidates across different political parties for legislative elections, provided they enjoy broad acceptance among members of the alliance.
“Today, we have PDP, APC, Labour Party, AA all together. We have candidates across different political parties for the House of Assembly and National Assembly. We will support the candidate who is most acceptable. Whoever emerges should not be seen as APC or PDP; the person should be seen as the coalition’s candidate,” he stated.
Wike said the political arrangement is expanding rapidly across Rivers State and is attracting support from different political interests.
“All we are doing is for one purpose—to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is all-inclusive and it is spreading like wildfire,” he added.
The FCT minister dismissed claims that the alliance was designed to strengthen a particular political party, insisting that its primary objective is to attract greater development and federal projects to Rivers State.
“For me, what matters is Rivers State. If Rivers State is relevant because projects are coming and people are benefiting from government, then I am satisfied. It is not about personal ambition; it is about the interest of the state,” he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Wike said his years in public office have given him a deep understanding of politics and the expectations of the people.
“I have been in politics since 1999. Nobody can teach me politics or tell me how to navigate it. Politics is about leadership and understanding the interests of your people,” he stated.
The minister also recalled the 2019 governorship election in Rivers State, alleging that overwhelming federal force was deployed against him but that he still emerged victorious.
“I saw what federal might means. Military personnel came with battalions as if Rivers State was at war. We survived it by the grace of God and fought back,” he said.
Wike maintained that his political influence is rooted in the confidence the people of Rivers State have in his leadership.
“Once the people trust you, they believe that what you tell them will happen. Leadership is about carrying the people along, and that is what we have continued to do,” he added.
The minister’s comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with parties and major political figures positioning themselves for what is expected to be another fiercely contested presidential race.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from opposition parties in Rivers State to Wike’s claims.
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