Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the administration's policies and interventions provide sufficient reasons for the President to secure another term in office in the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the appeal during his monthly ministerial media briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he defended the President's performance and criticised opposition politicians seeking to challenge the administration at the next polls.
The former Rivers State governor particularly highlighted what he described as the Federal Government's empowerment programmes for Ogoni communities, insisting that residents of the area had benefited from interventions under Tinubu's leadership.
According to him, the empowerment initiatives represent an important development for a community that had long sought greater opportunities and government attention.
Wike argued that Nigerians should consider the administration's achievements before accepting calls from opposition politicians to vote against the President.
He also defended the government's handling of insecurity, declaring that no previous administration had done more to address the country's security challenges.
However, the minister did not present comparative security statistics during the briefing to substantiate the claim.
Wike also used the opportunity to question the electoral strength and political records of several opposition figures, including former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi.
On Amaechi, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition platform, Wike questioned his record during his eight years as governor of Rivers State.
He raised allegations concerning money reportedly earmarked for fumigation, a proposed general hospital project and a tree-planting contract, using the issues to challenge Amaechi's suitability for national leadership.
Wike also questioned Amaechi's electoral influence in Rivers State, arguing that his performance during previous elections did not demonstrate the level of political support required to compete effectively.
The minister further criticised Amaechi over comments involving his wife and political participation, describing the remarks as inappropriate.
Turning to Atiku Abubakar, Wike questioned the former vice president's record during his eight years as governor of Adamawa State, asking what he had achieved that would justify renewed calls for national leadership.
He also dismissed suggestions that Peter Obi retained the same political momentum that characterised his 2023 presidential campaign.
According to Wike, political circumstances have changed since the last general election, and the opposition should not assume that previous electoral support would automatically be repeated in 2027.
He acknowledged the popularity of former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso in Kano but questioned his ability to extend that influence across other northern states.
The FCT minister also defended the Rainbow Coalition, a political arrangement involving supporters and stakeholders from different parties who are working towards Tinubu's re-election.
He explained that discussions surrounding the coalition began more than two years ago, with political stakeholders reaching agreements on how to coordinate their activities ahead of the elections.
Wike disclosed that the arrangement involved the allocation of 13 seats to the All Progressives Congress and three to the Peoples Democratic Party, adding that the discussions also covered appointive positions and other political responsibilities.
He maintained that the coalition was designed to accommodate different interests while ensuring that its members remained focused on the President's electoral victory.
Addressing the involvement of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike said the governor participated in unveiling the coalition's candidates and questioned claims that he had been excluded from the arrangement.
The minister also dismissed suggestions that he influenced a Federal High Court judgment involving former Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha and the APC's Imo West senatorial ticket.
He denied having any role in the court proceedings, insisting that attempts to link him to the judgment were mischievous.
On the leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party, Wike expressed confidence that the legal challenge by the Turaki-led faction would not succeed at the Supreme Court.
He also responded to concerns raised by the University of Abuja branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities over alleged land grabbing, dismissing the union's position and stating that the matter could be resolved through the courts.
Regarding complaints by opposition parties about the high cost of billboard advertisements in Abuja, Wike defended the charges, arguing that political advertising was expensive globally and that the FCT needed revenue to fund infrastructure development.
He suggested that political parties unable to afford billboard placements could explore social media as an alternative means of reaching voters.
Wike's latest comments add to the growing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, as supporters of the President and opposition figures intensify efforts to convince Nigerians about their respective political choices.