By Peter Omopo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State is setting the pace among states in mobilising support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the assertion on Friday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political support group backing the Tinubu administration.
According to the minister, Rivers State has demonstrated unmatched commitment through action, insisting that support for the President must go beyond rhetoric.
“I know after today, other states may inaugurate their own structures, but Rivers State will always lead the way. Support is not by mouth; we have shown commitment with action,” Wike said.
He noted that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections had effectively begun, adding that ward-level inaugurations of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors would soon follow across the state.
Wike also questioned the level of commitment of the Rivers State governor towards President Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that political rewards are earned through loyalty and dedication rather than financial contributions.
“You don’t need N600 billion; all you need is commitment. That is what brings reward, even if it attracts envy,” he stated.
Describing the gathering as a “rainbow coalition,” Wike thanked President Tinubu for supporting the coalition in fielding candidates for the February 21 by-elections in Khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II. He urged voters to turn out in large numbers to support the candidates, irrespective of party affiliation, and disclosed that buses had been provided to aid mobilisation for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, expressed appreciation to supporters from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their strong turnout in support of the President.
Speaking on behalf of federal government political appointees from the state, Senator George Sekibo assured President Tinubu of continued support from Rivers State, praising the administration for projects and appointments that have benefited Rivers indigenes.
“No President has undertaken projects of this magnitude while also appointing Rivers people. Tell the President we are grateful,” Sekibo said.
Also speaking, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, who represented the National Assembly caucus, reaffirmed support for Tinubu’s re-election, pledging stronger backing in 2027.
“What we did in 2023, we will do better in 2027. Politics is give and take,” Chinda stated.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and former state chairman of the PDP, Felix Obuah, pledged their support for the President.
Meanwhile, the PDP and APC chairmen in Rivers State, Aaron Chukwuemeka and Tony Okocha, assured that their parties were fully mobilised ahead of the 2027 general elections.
