RismadarVoice Reporters
January 10, 2026
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no political force can dislodge his political camp in Rivers State, insisting that his group has remained resolute despite threats and attacks since the 2023 general election.
Wike made the assertion on Saturday during a thank-you visit to the Port Harcourt Local Government Area Secretariat, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths from the council.
“Nobody in this state can push us out. We have led this war since 2023. We have never reneged. There was no amount of threats that didn’t come, and we stood firm,” the former Rivers State Governor said.
The Minister has been touring the 23 local government areas of the state to appreciate residents for their support during the 2023 elections and to solicit continued backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
He said his political family paid a heavy price for standing with President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope agenda from the outset, adding that Rivers State remains a stronghold for the President.
“If there is one state that the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State,” Wike declared.
Wike accused some politicians of attempting to hijack the Renewed Hope agenda after failing to support Tinubu during the election, warning that such moves would not succeed.
“In 2023, we led the war here. We were the Renewed Hope agenda people from the beginning,” he said, taking a swipe at those who supported opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar.
“Those who supported Abubakar and could not even give him 10 per cent now want to lead the Renewed Hope agenda. Is it possible? You failed,” Wike added.
Using a metaphor, the Minister likened such politicians to people who appear only after a meal has been prepared.
“You didn’t buy the pepper, the salt or the oil. Suddenly the food is ready and you want to eat first. Is that possible?” he asked.
Wike described Port Harcourt as a cosmopolitan city whose diversity makes electoral victories difficult but highly significant. He also claimed that Rivers State was unique in its ability to unite leaders of the two major political parties to work together, a strategy he said contributed to President Tinubu’s emergence.
“This is the only state where the leadership of two major political parties worked as a team to produce Mr President,” he said, urging other states to learn from Rivers rather than criticize it.
The Minister further advised political leaders in the state to remain united, noting that leadership is not a permanent entitlement. He stressed the importance of openness to criticism and willingness to change.
“A bad leader is one who refuses to change despite advice. A good leader listens to his people,” Wike said.
He concluded by commending the Port Harcourt Local Government leadership for its cooperation and urged them to sustain the unity in order to achieve more results.
