The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says Rivers State residents should support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing what he describes as the President’s bold leadership and efforts to address Nigeria’s economic and infrastructural challenges.
Wike made the call on Monday during an interactive town hall meeting with residents of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, southern Nigeria.
He said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated the political courage needed to tackle longstanding economic and infrastructural problems, contrasting its policies with what he described as financial mismanagement and abandoned projects under previous administrations.
The minister cited a multi-billion-naira hospital project which, according to him, received substantial public funding without significant progress.
“Fifty-three billion naira of our money has been spent, yet there is no foundation. I am talking about the foundation stage; the project has not even reached ground level. Where is the foundation?” he asked.
Wike also referred to the Abuja monorail project, alleging that N68 billion had been spent on a transport system that remained unavailable for public use before recent interventions.
He further questioned the management of public assets under previous administrations, citing a December 2014 transaction involving a major gas supply line, which he said was sold for 308 million dollars without delivering sustainable energy benefits to Nigerians.
The minister also raised concerns about expenditure on university-related projects, alleging that substantial sums had been spent without commensurate benefits to students.
He argued that Nigerians should assess political leaders based on their willingness to address the country’s challenges and deliver tangible results rather than campaign promises.
“If somebody comes to tell you he will do something that will solve your direct problems, wouldn’t you support him?” he asked.
Wike maintained that President Tinubu had taken difficult decisions to address structural weaknesses in the economy, urging Nigerians to consider the administration’s policies and performance ahead of the 2027 general election.
He also called for political stability and peaceful coexistence in Rivers State, warning against violence and political division.
“We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting,” he said.
The minister added that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties had come together under the Rainbow Coalition to promote peace, unity and development in the state.
Wike stressed that cooperation among the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives was essential to advancing the interests of the state and improving residents’ welfare.
He urged the people of Eleme to support candidates endorsed by the coalition, arguing that political stability and cooperation were necessary for sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and representatives of political parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.
