The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that political stakeholders in Rivers State have formed a coalition across party lines to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Wike said leaders and supporters of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have resolved to work together under what he described as a “New Hope family,” setting aside party differences to support President Tinubu and other agreed candidates in the next election.
Addressing stakeholders and supporters at a political gathering organised to appreciate party loyalists and elders for their roles in past elections, the former Rivers State governor indirectly indicated that he and his loyalists would not be backing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is seeking re-election under the APC.
Although he did not mention Fubara by name during his speech, Wike made it clear that he and his supporters would not repeat what he described as the mistake made during the 2023 election.
According to the FCT minister, he has learnt from past errors and made necessary adjustments, vowing that such mistakes would not be repeated, as he and his loyalists have decided to vote differently in 2027.
“What’s important in life is that when you make a mistake, you come out to correct it. The mistake we made in 2023 will not be repeated. Take it to the bank,” he said, adding that Rivers State would vote differently in 2027.
The event took place in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, where Wike acknowledged the support he has enjoyed from the area since 2014 and praised local leaders for uniting political forces across party lines.
Speaking further, Wike thanked supporters for standing firm during difficult political moments, especially during the 2023 elections.
“Since 2014, when I indicated interest to run for the governorship of Rivers State till today, you have never disappointed me,” he said.
“Particularly in 2023, when it was difficult and nobody knew what would happen, you all stood firm and voted for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He described Rivers State as the only state with a functioning “rainbow coalition,” where the APC and PDP are jointly mobilising support for the president.
“This liberal coalition is not available in any state other than Rivers State. We are no longer talking about party; we are talking about the New Hope family,” Wike stated.
Wike urged supporters to listen to designated party leaders and elders, including leaders of both the APC and PDP in the state, stressing that the political direction had been agreed upon.
“Here, we have shut the door. No other person other than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he declared.
