Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the President can “go home and sleep with his two eyes closed” over the 2027 presidential election in Rivers State, asserting that support for Tinubu in the state remains solid.
The minister spoke during a “thank-you” visit to supporters in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Wike told a gathering of supporters from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Rivers State remains a dependable base for Tinubu’s re-election bid, emphasising that neither he nor his supporters could be pushed aside in political mobilisation.
“These are the foot soldiers of the Renewed Hope Family. 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.
The minister recalled how Rivers residents supported Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election against expectations and stressed that those efforts should not be overshadowed by late political actors seeking influence ahead of 2027. “In 2023, we led the struggle here.
We were members of the Renewed Hope Agenda from the very beginning…and now, those…who went and supported Atiku Abubakar and failed to give him even 10 per cent votes are now coming that they want to lead the Renewed Hope Agenda. Is it possible?”, Wike asked his audience.
Wike urged supporters to remain focused and united, dismissing detractors and warning against political distractions. He also encouraged residents to maintain their efforts towards ensuring Tinubu’s continued leadership, assuring that 2026 would be more favourable than the previous year.
During the visit, Sir Allwell Ihunda, Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, praised President Tinubu for ensuring the presence of democratically elected council chairmen in Rivers. Ihunda also highlighted Wike’s developmental projects from his tenure as Rivers governor.
“We are ready for your directives on what to do in 2027. As soon as the directive comes, we will step into action,” he said.
Mrs. Blessing Amadi, representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency, commended Wike for elevating women’s participation in local governance, citing women’s appointments as vice chairpersons across local government areas.
Mr. Smart Adoki, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, thanked Wike for his early support of Tinubu, saying the state was now benefitting from that decision.
Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and contestations within Rivers State, including efforts by various actors to position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. Observers say such assurances may shape the state’s political dynamics as national campaigns intensify.
Political stakeholders in Rivers State are expected to sustain mobilisation efforts as national parties prepare for the upcoming election cycle, with local alliances and grassroots support likely to influence broader electoral outcomes.
