The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday urged traditional rulers in Ogba Land, Rivers State, to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Addressing the traditional council at the palace of the Oba of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, in the Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike said supporting Tinubu amounted to supporting prosperity.
He noted that although traditional rulers were expected to remain non-partisan, political decisions directly affected the peace, economic welfare and infrastructure development of their communities.
Wike said his visit was intended to sensitise grassroots communities and traditional institutions to the political realities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I know you are not a politician, but you are a Nigerian and a Rivers person, and whatever those in politics do will affect you.
“That is why we want to inform you and your council so that your people will not make a mistake in 2027,” he said.
The minister urged the people to assess political leaders based on their records in office rather than campaign promises, calling for support for Tinubu’s economic reforms and continued infrastructure development.
Citing his record as former governor of Rivers State, Wike referred to major road construction projects, insisting that his administration had not abandoned the people of the area.
“I am here because while I was governor, I could point at what I had done for the people. During my tenure, I never abandoned your people.
“That is the essence of government, making the people feel the impact,” he said.
Wike also criticised opposition politicians seeking elective offices under other political platforms, including Rotimi Amaechi, whom he said should be assessed based on his contributions to Rivers State and the Niger Delta while holding federal positions.
He questioned the development projects attracted to the region during Amaechi’s time in federal office, alleging that seaports in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri had suffered neglect.
“Before we support anyone, we must ask: the opportunity we gave you before, what did you do with it?” he said.
Defending Tinubu’s economic policies, Wike said the country’s long-standing structural economic problems required firm and courageous interventions rather than promises of quick solutions.
Acknowledging the economic adjustments Nigerians were experiencing, he said addressing the challenges would take time.
“Solving the economy is not like going to a prayer house for instant healing. It is a process.
“The economy was in a comatose state, but we are seeing the results, and there is hope that these issues will be fully sorted out,” he said.
Wike also cautioned the traditional rulers against supporting the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, arguing that politicians who repeatedly contested elections without a clear vision were primarily interested in gaining power and recovering previous campaign expenses.
He urged the traditional council and the people of Rivers State to support the ruling party at the executive and legislative levels, saying such alignment would promote effective representation, coordination and access to federal support.
“The President is doing quite well. Let us work together and maintain synergy to ensure our state remains strategically positioned,” he said.
Responding, the Oba of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, assured Wike that the kingdom was united in its support for Tinubu’s leadership.
“It is only a wicked man whose heart has no God in it that sees his brother going for something good and he begins to pull the building on his bed. Such one should not prosper,” he said.
The traditional ruler said supporting Tinubu was important for securing political representation, economic development and sustainable progress for the people of Ogba Land.
He also commended Wike’s record in public service, saying his achievements as FCT Minister reflected positively on Rivers State.
According to him, Wike’s appointment and subsequent performance have silenced critics and demonstrated the importance of leadership grounded in capacity, character and competence.
