Rivers: We need no governor for Tinubu’s victory, says Wike
Nyesom Wike claims he can secure victory for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 without the support of any governor in Rivers State.
In a bold statement, Nyesom Wike, Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, asserted his confidence in delivering electoral success for President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections, citing the independence from gubernatorial support as a key point. During the inauguration of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors headquarters in Port Harcourt, Wike detailed how he has already established the necessary political structures to drive Tinubu's reelection campaign. He emphasized the unity and commitment of local party leaders and lawmakers from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in this endeavor.
Wike's remarks come at a time when political dynamics in Rivers State are complex, and his assertion that he does not need a governor's backing might signify a shift in political strategy ahead of the elections. He claimed that the participation of various political entities, including senators and council chairmen, would suffice to galvanize support for the president. This independent stance could indicate his growing influence and a strategic distancing from traditional political alliances that typically dominate Nigerian elections.
The implications of Wike's statement are significant as it not only challenges the conventional reliance on gubernatorial endorsements but also signals a potential realignment of political loyalties in Rivers State. With his emphasis on self-sufficiency and local leadership, Wike seeks to present a united front that could disrupt expected political patterns, aiming for a robust grassroots mobilization that leverages existing legislative structures without waiting for higher-level political endorsement.