The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asserted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only presidential candidate capable of securing victory in Rivers State during the 2027 general election.
Speaking during the August edition of his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said any political calculations for the 2027 presidential election should exclude Rivers State unless they are in favour of Tinubu.
According to the former Rivers State governor, Tinubu enjoys unmatched political support in the state.
“If anybody is counting Rivers, go now and cancel it. The only person that can count Rivers is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said.
“I’m not talking because I want to talk; I’m talking as a political realist because I know my people.”
Wike disclosed that politicians across several political parties have joined forces to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition while pursuing what they described as the collective interest of Rivers State.
He explained that the alliance includes members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP), the Action Alliance (AA), and other political groups.
According to him, candidates for the House of Assembly and National Assembly will be chosen based on their popularity and acceptability rather than party affiliation.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Coalition Focused on Tinubu’s Re-election
Wike maintained that the coalition was established primarily to ensure Tinubu’s victory in Rivers State, describing its growth as widespread and inclusive.
“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 stated.
He rejected claims that the coalition was designed to advance the interests of any single political party, insisting that his priority remains the development and relevance of 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.”
‘Nobody Can Teach Me Politics’
Reflecting on his political career, Wike said his decades of experience had given him a deep understanding of governance and grassroots politics.
“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 added that his influence in Rivers State stems from the trust residents have in his leadership and political decisions.
Wike also recalled the 2019 governorship election in Rivers State, alleging that the Federal Government deployed heavy security during the exercise.
“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.