Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State does not need a sitting governor to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Wike made the statement on Saturday in Port Harcourt during the commissioning of the headquarters of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, which features Majority FM 89.5, a situation room, office spaces, and operational buses.
He praised the group’s coordinator, Desmond Akawor, for what he described as strong grassroots mobilisation, stressing that Rivers State remains firmly committed to Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“Rivers State is a no-go area. I have said it before and I am saying it again. This state is fully for President Tinubu,” Wike said. He added that all 23 local government areas already have coordinators in place, showing the state’s readiness.
The Minister emphasised that Rivers State does not rely on any governor to mobilise support, noting that senators, House of Assembly members, council chairmen, National Assembly members, and party leaders are united behind the President. “We mobilised ourselves. When you support someone, you must show commitment,” he said.
Wike described the commissioning of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ secretariat and vehicles as the first of its kind in Nigeria, saying the state’s support for Tinubu is demonstrated through action, not words. He urged the group to begin inaugurating ward and unit coordinators to deepen mobilisation at the grassroots.
“We are ready. We have the situation room and the radio station. Unity is our strength,” Wike added.
Earlier, Akawor thanked Wike for providing leadership to the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and disclosed that coordinators have been appointed across all 23 local government areas. He described Wike’s political approach as innovative, referring to it as “AI politics.”
Wike recalled Rivers State’s role in the 2023 elections, noting that the state supported Tinubu without pressure or influence, and pledged continued backing if the President seeks re-election in 2027.
By Eunice Orike, Abuja
