…Says Rivers will back Tinubu as Rainbow Coalition plans candidate unveiling
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, questioning the credibility of opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Wike spoke on Tuesday while addressing youths of the Rivers Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt. He urged them to mobilise voters across the state’s 23 local government areas for Tinubu and other candidates supported by the coalition.
The minister described Atiku as untrustworthy, citing his past political dealings with the former vice president.
“I have been in the same party with Atiku Abubakar. He is not a man who keeps to his words. What he says in the night is not what he says in the morning,” Wike said.
He also criticised Atiku’s repeated presidential bids, describing him as a political gambler and suggesting that his ambition was driven by personal interests.
Wike also dismissed Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, describing him as a “social media president” and a “fake man”.
He criticised Obi’s public engagements with ordinary Nigerians and displaced persons, questioning his political appeal.
“You can make him the president of social media so that he can be going to IDP camps to be celebrating their birthdays and buying corn on the road,” Wike said.
Wike urged Rivers residents to assess political leaders based on their contributions to the state. He argued that the Tinubu administration had delivered more benefits to Rivers than previous federal administrations.
He said at least 49 indigenes of Rivers State currently hold positions in the Federal Government, describing the appointments as evidence of increased federal representation for the state.
The minister also cited the Bonny-Bodo road and bridge network as an example of infrastructure development under the current administration.
“We’re not looking for those who are fine or finer. We’re looking for those who will do something that will positively impact on Nigerians and also impact on Rivers people,” he said.
Reaffirming his support for Tinubu, Wike declared that Rivers State would support the president in the next presidential election.
“Whether you are Atiku, whether you are Obi, Rivers State is for Tinubu!” he said.
Wike said the Rivers Rainbow Coalition would unveil its candidates on October 27. He urged the youths to mobilise community leaders and other groups across the state.
Kingsley Chinda, identified at the event as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, pledged to prioritise youth inclusion, vocational training and community development if elected.
He said his proposed administration would restructure the state’s education system to incorporate technical and vocational training from primary to secondary school.
Chinda said the initiative would equip young people with practical skills and reduce dependence on skilled workers from neighbouring countries.
“Today, if we are talking about tiling, carpentry, and technical craftsmanship, people start looking toward Cotonou. We believe that very soon, if anyone wants the best tilers or the best electricians in Nigeria, they will come to Rivers State,” he said.
“There will be no compromise. We can only build the state if we build the youths.”
He added that chairmen of the 23 local government councils would be expected to prioritise youth welfare and vocational training centres.
Chima Aguma, coordinator of the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition Youth and South-South coordinator of City Boys, pledged to mobilise voters for Tinubu and other candidates supported by the coalition.
Aguma said the youths at the event had supported Wike over the years and were prepared to campaign across the state for the coalition’s candidates.
Bani Nwisabari, chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, presented Wike with a plaque in recognition of his role in political inclusion and youth empowerment.
Nwisabari said he had benefited from Wike’s support through his appointment to the state’s Senior Secondary School Board.
“You are an empowerment strategist. I am a direct beneficiary of your magnanimity and come 2027, the message is very clear and we will do the needful,” he said.
Justice Uranta, president of the National Union of Rivers State Students, pledged to mobilise students across the state’s 23 local government areas, tertiary institutions and the diaspora to support Tinubu and the coalition’s candidates.
He cited the establishment of a permanent secretariat for the students’ union as one of the projects aimed at improving student welfare.
The event brought together youth leaders and representatives of various groups who endorsed Tinubu and other candidates expected to contest under the Rivers Rainbow Coalition.
The coalition is expected to unveil its candidates on October 27 ahead of the 2027 general election.
Related News
