Port Harcourt — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that Rivers State has no option but to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing what he described as unprecedented federal appointments and developmental projects enjoyed by the state under the current administration.
Wike made the declaration on Saturday in Port Harcourt during a luncheon organised by the Rainbow Coalition in honour of candidates contesting the forthcoming governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor urged residents to assess the benefits the state had received under the Tinubu administration and compare them with what was obtained under previous governments.
According to him, Rivers people should acknowledge and appreciate the President for recognising and rewarding the state through key appointments and opportunities.
“From 2023 to now, compare what Rivers State has benefited under this administration with what it got under previous governments. Look at the appointments and opportunities that have come to Rivers State. Compare them and tell yourselves the truth,” Wike said.
He added: “President Tinubu has shown so much appreciation to Rivers people. We have no choice but to continue supporting him.”
The minister dismissed ethnic and sectional considerations in politics, insisting that governance, performance and development should be the major factors guiding voters’ decisions.
Wike also advised political supporters to prioritise grassroots mobilisation over media campaigns, stressing that electoral victories are secured at polling units rather than on television screens.
“Television will not give you votes. What gives votes is going to your polling units, your wards and your local governments. Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward and deliver your local government,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the political influence of the Rainbow Coalition, Wike predicted that the group would emerge dominant in future elections in Rivers State.
He maintained that effective grassroots engagement and sustained support for the coalition’s candidates would ensure electoral success across the state.