By Our Correspondent
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State does not require a sitting governor to mobilise political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Wike made this assertion while speaking on the evolving political dynamics in Rivers State, stressing that grassroots political structures and influential leaders remain the backbone of effective mobilisation, rather than the office of the governor alone.
According to him, political loyalty and voter mobilisation in the state have always been driven by strong party networks and committed stakeholders.
The former Rivers State governor argued that history has shown that elections are won through organisation, credibility, and connection with the people, not merely by occupying executive office. He maintained that those who believe control of the governorship is the sole determinant of electoral success are mistaken.
Wike further emphasized his continued relevance and influence in Rivers State politics, noting that his political allies and supporters remain firmly rooted across the state. He said this network is more than capable of rallying support for President Tinubu when the time comes, regardless of who occupies the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The statement comes amid ongoing political realignments and tensions within Rivers State, as well as broader strategic calculations ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Wike’s comments are widely seen as a signal of his determination to remain a key political force and a major player in shaping the state’s political direction.
His remarks have continued to generate reactions across political circles, with supporters viewing them as a reaffirmation of grassroots strength, while critics see them as a challenge to the conventional influence of incumbent power.
