The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the people of Rivers State will not repeat what he described as a leadership mistake in the 2027 elections.
Wike made the statement on Tuesday during a thank-you visit to the people of Khana in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. Although he said the visit was not politically motivated, his remarks pointed clearly to future political decisions in the state.
According to the minister, leaders who were previously given the opportunity to serve but failed to show appreciation or deliver would not be trusted again by the people.
“As for the state, we will talk about that later. You know what I mean. We will not make a mistake again,” he said, adding that leadership positions are not automatic and must be earned through hard work and loyalty to the people.
Wike stressed that merely laying claim to a political mandate does not guarantee re-election, warning that past support does not automatically translate into future endorsement.
Although he did not mention Governor Siminalayi Fubara by name, the comments come amid an ongoing political rift between both men over control of Rivers State’s political structure. The disagreement previously led to the governor’s suspension and a presidentially declared state of emergency in the state, which ended in September 2025.
The minister also used the occasion to call for unity across party lines, urging the people to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027. He said political differences no longer mattered, insisting that loyalty should be to the Renewed Hope agenda rather than to party labels.
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“For us, there is nothing like APC or PDP. What we have is Renewed Hope. We are one political family,” he said, urging residents to follow the direction of their leaders.
Wike thanked the people of Khana for their support during the 2023 elections, noting that backing Tinubu at the time came with significant risks. He said the President has since shown appreciation to Ogoniland through key appointments, the establishment of the Federal University of Environment, improved road infrastructure, and the presidential pardon granted to the Ogoni Nine.
According to him, more benefits and appointments are expected for the area as a result of continued loyalty and support.
