The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, promising that stronger electoral support could bring more federal appointments and infrastructure projects to the state.
Wike made the appeal on Monday, October 19, during a meeting with Fubara’s supporters and youth leaders in Port Harcourt, where he also urged political stakeholders to reconcile their differences and unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a statement issued by the FCT minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said Rivers could gain greater political influence by securing a high number of votes for Tinubu.
“All I want to hear in this state is Tinubu and nothing but Tinubu. If we play the role we are playing now, and we are one of the first three states that get the highest number of votes, we will get more of the appointments,” he said.
The former Rivers governor maintained that the Tinubu administration had already given the state several prominent federal appointments, adding that increased support could create more opportunities, particularly for young people.
He urged grassroots leaders and political loyalists to set aside past disagreements, arguing that cooperation with the Federal Government would strengthen Rivers State’s position in national politics.
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Wike also cited infrastructure projects, including the Bonny road, as evidence of the benefits of the state’s engagement with the current administration.
Explaining his motivation, he said his interest was in the state’s development rather than another attempt to become governor.
“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 acknowledged that political realignments often generated tension and rumours but appealed to supporters to remain calm while reconciliation efforts continued.
He said committees had been established to address grievances and ensure that genuine members of the political group were not left out of the emerging coalition.
“We are talking for survival and growth,” Wike said, urging local government youth leaders to return to their communities, reconcile aggrieved members and prepare for campaign committees and Tinubu’s planned visit to the state.
The meeting formed part of efforts to consolidate support for Tinubu through the Rainbow Coalition, which Wike said was bringing together political structures across different platforms.