Rivers Will Keep Setting Political Pace — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says Rivers State will continue to play a pioneering role in Nigeria’s political evolution, citing growing support for President Bola Tinubu and upcoming political engagements in the state.

Naija News reports that Wike stated this on Friday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of Senatorial and Local Government Coordinators of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political support group for the Tinubu administration.

Addressing party faithful, Wike praised his supporters for what he described as their unwavering commitment to the President’s re-election, despite what he called “limited resources.”

“With the little resources you have, you’ve done well. This kind of mobilisation is enough to shake the opposition,” he said.

He further revealed that President Tinubu is monitoring the actions of those who are genuinely loyal, especially in light of the February 21 by-elections.

“The President is watching. He knows those who are truly working for him,” Wike added.

The former Rivers State governor also used the occasion to formally introduce the three senatorial coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Felix Obua (Rivers West), Boma Iyayi (Rivers East) and Marcus Nleegi (Rivers South-East).

He commended the event organisers and local government chairmen for what he termed “massive grassroots mobilisation”, which he believes has set the tone for a broader political realignment in the state.

Wike urged his followers to vote for the two All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates contesting the Rivers by-election scheduled for February 21, 2026.

“Wherever you are, these are the candidates to support in the February 21 election,” he said, without naming the candidates specifically.

The event, which attracted party leaders, supporters and political observers, is being interpreted as a launchpad for the 2027 general election campaign in Rivers State.

Wike has previously described the unfolding political alliance between APC and key figures from the PDP as a “Rainbow Coalition,” expected to reshape the political landscape in Rivers ahead of the next polls.