Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he can “sleep with two eyes closed” regarding the outcome of the 2027 presidential election in Rivers State, insisting that the state remains solidly behind the president’s re-election bid.
Wike conveyed the message during a “thank-you” visit to supporters in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Wike spoke to a gathering that included supporters of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reflecting his push for broad backing of Tinubu’s political agenda.
“If there is one state that the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State,” he said, as he recounted the state’s political trajectory since the 2023 elections.
The minister emphasised that neither he nor his political allies can be pushed aside or distracted from supporting Tinubu’s second-term bid. Wike argued that those now seeking leadership roles in the so-called “Renewed Hope” movement did not contribute to the earlier struggle.
“You did not participate in all these things. Suddenly, food is done; you now jump in and want to be the one to eat first… Nobody in this state can push us out,” he said, drawing on a local analogy to underline his point.
Wike’s comments come amid continued political realignment in Rivers State, where longstanding tensions involving party alliances and leadership disputes have shaped the local landscape.
He encouraged his supporters to remain united and focused on sustained backing for Tinubu, noting that the benefits of their 2023 decisions were beginning to materialise. “Now that the benefits are rolling in, we would not allow anyone to rush in at the last minute and take the glory,” he said.
Supporters and local officials present at the event, including Sir Allwell Ihunda, Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, praised Tinubu for promoting democratically elected council leadership structures in Rivers State, and applauded Wike’s leadership record during his eight-year tenure as governor. Some also highlighted efforts to improve women’s participation in local governance.
Political analysts note that Wike’s strong assurances serve both to solidify Tinubu’s base in a key South-South state and to counter narratives of fragmentation ahead of the next general elections. His remarks reflect broader strategic efforts to build cross-party alliances that can help secure electoral outcomes in 2027.
The minister urged continued collaboration among supporters, assuring them that 2026 would be more productive than 2025 and reinforcing his message of confidence in Rivers State’s political direction.
