Rivers: We Will Correct Leadership Mistake in 2027 – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the people of Rivers State will correct what he described as a “leadership mistake” in the state during the 2027 elections.

Wike made the statement during a thank-you visit to the people of Khana in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed party supporters and community leaders.

He said leaders are elected to reflect the will of the people and should not pursue personal interests once in office.

“We will not make the same mistake again at the state level in 2027. The time to speak in detail will come later,” Wike said. “Just follow your leaders. Wherever you see them going, that is where we are going.”

The minister said the visit was not for political mobilisation but to appreciate the people of Khana for their support for him and President Bola Tinubu, particularly during the 2023 general elections.

According to Wike, the people of Khana stood by Tinubu at a time when many others were reluctant, a decision he said had brought tangible benefits to the area.

“During a difficult period, Khana stood with us. Today, you can see the results — good roads, the University of Environment, and other projects — because of the support and goodwill of Mr President,” he said.

He added that Ogoniland had received several federal appointments, with more expected in the future.

Wike also said political support in Rivers would no longer be driven strictly by party affiliation but by shared interests and alignment, which he described as voting based on “family,” in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier, the member representing Khana Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dumnamene Dekor (APC), praised Wike and President Tinubu for what he described as renewed attention to Ogoniland.

Dekor said the people were proud of Wike’s continued engagement with communities in Rivers State and expressed readiness to follow his political direction.

“We are proud to be associated with you. Whatever you ask us to do, we will do, and wherever you ask us to go, we will go,” he said.

He also said lawmakers from Rivers State were fully aligned with President Tinubu’s leadership.

Speaking on behalf of women in the area, Barile Nwakoh, representing Khana I State Constituency, thanked Wike for what she described as his consistent support for the community.

She said Wike enjoyed wide support in Rivers State due to his record of engagement and commitment to development, adding that women in Khana were prepared to support Tinubu should he seek a second term.

“We are ready to work for President Tinubu. Please let Mr President know that the women of Khana are here for him and ready to support his re-election,” she said.

The Chairman of Khana Local Government Council, Dr Thomas Bariere, also commended Wike, saying the community had seen improvements since supporting the Tinubu administration.

“Since we supported President Tinubu, things have improved for the people of Khana,” Bariere said. “When the right people are in office, positive change follows.”

He assured the minister of the continued support of the people of Khana for the current administration.