…FCT minister says leadership requires courage, capacity and records as he rallies support for Tinubu in Rivers
Favour Ishember, Abuja
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has declared that the 2027 presidential contest is not a quick race, stressing that governing a complex country like Nigeria demands experience, courage, political strength and verifiable achievements.
Wike made the statement on Thursday during a town hall interactive meeting with community leaders, religious figures, political stakeholders, youths, women groups and other support organisations in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The FCT Minister reaffirmed his role as the coordinator of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State and the FCT, saying his priority is to secure a convincing victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
He dismissed criticisms over combining his ministerial responsibilities with political coordination, insisting that supporting the president’s re-election bid does not require him to abandon his official duties.
According to Wike, accepting the role of campaign coordinator does not mean resigning from office, as he remains committed to delivering on his responsibilities as a member of the federal cabinet.
“Being Asiwaju’s coordinator does not mean that I will resign as minister. That does not make sense. I cannot ask people to support me and then abandon my responsibility,” he said.
Wike added that the political structure in Rivers State had reached a decision to deliver victory, declaring that the outcome of the election would be decisive.
“We have reached a resolution today. We will win, and we will win convincingly,” the minister stated.
Taking aim at opposition figures, including former vice-president Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, Wike urged voters to demand evidence of performance from anyone seeking the presidency.
He said Nigerians should examine the records of former public office holders and assess their contributions before deciding who deserves their votes in 2027.
Wike questioned the achievements of those who occupied top executive positions in the past, arguing that leadership requires demonstrated capacity rather than promises.
He said the period between 1999 and 2007 should be examined, particularly the role of the former vice-president, who he described as a powerful figure with significant responsibilities over government affairs, companies and industries.
The minister challenged Atiku Abubakar to present his achievements to Nigerians, asking voters to demand a clear performance report before supporting any presidential ambition.
Wike also challenged residents across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to point out any area where the impact of his administration as governor and current federal government programmes had not been felt.
He listed communities across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State, including Eleme, Ogu, Ogu-Bolo and Gokana, as areas where he said residents could testify to visible development.
The fct minister advised the electorate to make informed decisions based on performance, warning against relying on political sentiments, emotions or unverified claims ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the zonal director of the post primary schools board, Dr Chimereze Nwaorgu, used a biblical expression to reaffirm the community’s loyalty to Wike, saying: “Where you go, i will go; where you stay, i will stay.”
Nwaorgu praised the minister’s record in human capital development, institutional support and administrative leadership at both state and national levels.
He highlighted Wike’s role in facilitating federal appointments and strengthening educational institutions, saying his leadership has continued to promote confidence, peace and development across the local government areas of Rivers State.
The community leader also presented the development priorities of Oyigbo Local Government Area, appealing for more interventions in healthcare facilities, public school upgrades, electricity infrastructure rehabilitation, youth employment and economic empowerment programmes.
Nwaorgu stressed that sustainable growth depends on political unity and respect for developmental legacies, warning that communities that ignore past achievements risk losing opportunities for future progress.
He called on stakeholders in Oyigbo and Rivers State to remain united and committed as the region navigates emerging political and economic challenges.
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