Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “our brother,” pledging that Rivers State will support the President’s bid for re-election in 2027.
Wike made the remarks during a grand reception organised in his honour by the Rainbow Coalition in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he reflected on the support he received from the people of the area during his successful 2015 governorship campaign.
The event attracted several political leaders and stakeholders, including Senator Allwell Onyesoh, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Chima Boms, Sunny Ejekwu, OCJ Okocha, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Wike expressed gratitude to the people of Ikwerre for backing his governorship ambition despite the political challenges that existed at the time.
“I was astonished to see the mammoth support from Ikwerre. To God be the glory, I won Ikwerre in that election of 2015. It was not easy, but you all stood firm and supported me,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor used the occasion to discuss what he described as the true meaning of political brotherhood, arguing that it should be defined not by blood ties but by commitment to the welfare and development of the people.
According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated such commitment through appointments and projects that have benefited Rivers State.
Wike specifically cited the appointment of Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and the establishment of the University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni as evidence of the President’s support for the state.
“Tinubu came and gave us the Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT. This means Tinubu is our brother. Tinubu came and gave us the Vice-Chancellor, University of Environment, Ogoni. This means Tinubu is our brother,” he said.
The FCT minister also compared the appointments received by Rivers State under previous administrations with those made by the current government, claiming that the state has enjoyed increased federal representation under Tinubu.
“Since 1999, we have had Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan and Buhari. Let them identify the number of federal appointments that came to Rivers. Now, Tinubu has come and in just three years, look at the appointments of DGs, chairmen, executive directors and executive secretaries,” he stated.
Wike said the Rainbow Coalition and his political supporters would work to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“We have adopted him as our brother because he relates with us and because he identifies with our problems and he has solved our problems. And that is why we are saying ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will vote for you come 2027,’” he said.
In his remarks, Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, reaffirmed the council’s support for Wike, President Tinubu and candidates aligned with the coalition.
Describing Wike as a leader whose achievements have earned widespread public confidence, Wobodo said the people of Ikwerre were prepared to rally behind the political movement.
“Ikwerre is locked down for you, for President Tinubu, Ok Chinda and all the candidates. We will join and give you results,” he said.
He further pledged overwhelming electoral support for the President’s re-election bid, declaring that the community would work to secure a strong mandate for Tinubu in 2027.
“We love the President so much and we will give him the opportunity to come back for a second tenure. We will make sure Ikwerre delivers 100 per cent,” Wobodo added.
