Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that ensuring President Bola Tinubu secures another term in office in 2027 occupies much of his attention.
Wike spoke on Monday during engagements with residents of the Rumueme and Apara kingdoms in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor said he remained determined to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, expressing confidence that the president would record a more comfortable victory in 2027 than he did during the 2023 presidential contest.
Wike said the president’s return to office had become a major concern for him, adding that his daily activities were centred around achieving the objective.
He appealed to Rivers residents to put political differences aside and support Tinubu, citing the president’s appointments of Rivers indigenes and various interventions in the state as reasons for backing his administration.
According to him, Tinubu had demonstrated appreciation for the people of Rivers through government appointments and what he described as the benefits delivered by his administration.
Wike further expressed optimism that Tinubu would perform better in Rivers State during the 2027 election than he did four years earlier.
He also urged residents to reciprocate what he described as the president’s gestures by giving him overwhelming support at the polls.
The FCT minister pointed to several projects and developments credited to the Tinubu administration in Rivers, as well as the appointment of people from the state into prominent positions within the Federal Government.
However, Wike took aim at opposition politicians seeking to challenge Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
He particularly criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who is his running mate.
The minister accused the pair of misleading Nigerians and questioned their capacity to defeat Tinubu at the polls.
He also argued that the ADC would be unable to obtain the constitutionally stipulated 25 per cent of votes in Rivers State.
Wike similarly dismissed the chances of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and other opposition contenders, describing them as incapable of securing victory in the presidential race.
He subsequently appealed to his supporters and political associates to remain focused, warning them against allowing disagreements within the party or disputes among communities to derail their political efforts.
Meanwhile, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, has promised to surrender his official salary and allowances to support widows across the state if elected governor in 2027.
Lulu-Briggs made the pledge during a media briefing in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where he presented his proposed development agenda, tagged “Reset Rivers State.”
He promised to run a government based on openness, responsible leadership and prudent management of public resources while providing opportunities for young people to achieve their goals.
The candidate said his decision to forgo his remuneration was inspired by Peter Obi, whom he identified as his principal.
He assured Rivers residents that every public fund under his administration would be properly accounted for and said his monthly earnings would be redirected towards helping widows.
Lulu-Briggs added that his personal businesses would provide for his needs while in office and after leaving government.
He also stated that he would not seek pension benefits after his tenure, noting that his business interests would remain active and sufficient to sustain him.
