Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on Rivers State residents to prioritise political cooperation and stability ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and candidates backed by the Rainbow Coalition.
Wike made the appeal on Monday during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting organised by the coalition in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he defended Tinubu’s economic reforms and advocated closer political collaboration between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former Rivers State governor argued that Tinubu deserved another term because of his decision to remove the petrol subsidy, describing the policy as a difficult but necessary step that previous administrations had been unwilling to take.
Although acknowledging the economic hardship Nigerians have experienced since the subsidy removal, Wike maintained that the policy had increased revenue available to state and local governments, giving them more resources to fund development projects and meet their financial obligations.
He said effective leadership sometimes required making unpopular decisions for the long-term benefit of the country, urging Nigerians to consider the broader implications of government policies rather than focusing solely on their immediate effects.
“We know what Nigerians are going through, but we are sure that things will get better,” Wike said.
He added that the subsidy regime had placed considerable pressure on government finances, affecting its ability to meet obligations to workers, pensioners and public institutions.
Wike, however, acknowledged that the reforms had not resolved every economic challenge, calling for patience as the government pursued its policies.
Using his experience as Rivers governor as an example, the minister said leaders must be willing to withstand criticism when implementing projects designed to deliver lasting benefits. He recalled that his administration continued with major flyover projects despite complaints about traffic disruptions and difficulties faced by businesses during construction.
Beyond Tinubu’s re-election, Wike devoted part of his address to the political future of Rivers State, urging residents to support the Rainbow Coalition, which brings together politicians from different parties, including the APC and PDP.
He said members of the alliance had agreed to cooperate politically and support candidates contesting under the APC platform in the forthcoming elections.
Wike, who identified himself as a national leader of the PDP, called on Rivers residents to support Tinubu and the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative and other elective positions.
According to him, the alliance seeks to strengthen cooperation among political stakeholders, improve relations between Rivers State and the Federal Government, and create an atmosphere conducive to development.
The minister also warned against political violence, insisting that disagreements between parties should not threaten peace or undermine governance in the state.
“We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting,” he said, describing the collaboration between the APC, PDP and other political groups as an effort to promote unity and stability.
Wike further urged residents to scrutinise the records of politicians seeking public office rather than rely on political propaganda or unverified claims.
“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” he told the gathering.
He argued that voters should assess political leaders based on their performance, capacity and ability to deliver on their promises, warning that misinformation could influence electoral decisions.
The minister also appealed to religious leaders to avoid allowing partisan politics to distract them from their spiritual responsibilities, saying political actors should take responsibility for explaining their policies and positions to the public.
Describing Eleme as an economically strategic area, Wike said residents had an important role to play in decisions affecting the state’s political direction and economic development.
He maintained that cooperation between the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives would help attract development and advance the interests of the state.
The meeting attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and representatives of parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.
