FCT Minister Urges Political Reconciliation in Rivers, Says Strong Support for Tinubu Could Attract More Federal Benefits
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appealed to supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to unite with other political stakeholders under the Rainbow Coalition and mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Wike made the appeal on Monday during a meeting with youth leaders and supporters associated with Fubara in Port Harcourt, in what was described as an effort to promote reconciliation between the two political camps ahead of the next general election.
The former Rivers State governor urged political leaders and grassroots mobilisers to put past disagreements aside and focus on building a united political front.
“All I want to hear in this state is Tinubu and nothing but Tinubu,” Wike declared.
He argued that strong electoral support for Tinubu in Rivers State could strengthen the state’s relationship with the Federal Government and improve its prospects for federal appointments, infrastructure projects and other development opportunities.
According to Wike, Rivers State must position itself strategically in national politics to secure benefits for its people, particularly the youth.
“I am not going to be governor again; this is for your own interest. I want this state to grow. I want this state to play an important role in the politics of Nigeria,” he said.
Wike also cited federal infrastructure projects, including the Bonny Road project, as examples of the potential benefits of maintaining a productive relationship with the Tinubu administration.
Wike Tasks Grassroots Leaders on Mobilisation
The FCT minister urged political stakeholders and youth groups to return to their respective local government areas, reconcile aggrieved members and begin preparations for campaign committees ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also referenced the anticipated presidential visit to Rivers State as part of the preparations for the forthcoming political activities.
Speaking on behalf of Fubara’s supporters, former Port Harcourt Mayor, Ezebunwo Ichemati, expressed the group’s willingness to work with Wike and other members of the Rainbow Coalition to support Tinubu and the coalition’s candidates.
Ichemati described the meeting as an important step towards cooperation between the previously divided political camps.
He further stated that Governor Fubara was aware of and supported the engagement, presenting it as part of a broader reconciliation effort.
The meeting comes amid political realignments in Rivers State as parties and political groups begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
Whether the engagement will translate into sustained cooperation between the rival camps remains to be seen.
