2027: Wike Says Tinubu Deserves Second Term Over Economic Reforms

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to re-elect President Bola Tinubu in 2027, arguing that his administration has demonstrated the courage to implement difficult economic reforms.

Wike made the appeal on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he called on residents to support Tinubu and candidates endorsed by the coalition.

He cited the removal of the petrol subsidy as evidence of Tinubu’s willingness to take difficult decisions despite the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.

The minister argued that the policy had increased allocations to state and local governments, providing them with additional resources to meet their obligations and execute development projects.

“We know what Nigerians are going through, but we are sure that things will get better. Most importantly, we know what this country was like before now,” he said.

Wike maintained that effective leadership required the courage to make unpopular decisions in the long-term interest of the country rather than avoid difficult choices for fear of criticism.

He said the former subsidy regime had placed considerable pressure on government finances, affecting the capacity of governments to meet their obligations to workers, pensioners and other public institutions.

Although he acknowledged that the reforms had not resolved all the country’s economic challenges, the minister urged Nigerians to exercise patience, expressing optimism that conditions would improve.

Drawing from his tenure as Rivers State governor, Wike recalled that his administration proceeded with major flyover projects despite criticism and temporary disruptions to businesses and transportation.
He said the projects illustrated the need for leaders to accept short-term inconveniences when pursuing long-term development.

The minister also urged voters to scrutinise the records of politicians seeking public office, warning against entrusting the country’s future to individuals he described as political gamblers.

“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” he said.

Wike attributed some political decisions during the 2023 elections to inadequate information and propaganda, urging Rivers residents to make informed choices ahead of the next general election.

He said the town hall meeting was organised to engage political, traditional and religious leaders, as well as women and youths, on the future of Rivers State and Nigeria.

The former governor also defended the Rainbow Coalition, an alliance involving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties, saying it was established to promote peace, unity and development in Rivers State.

Wike, who identified himself as a PDP national leader, said members of the coalition had agreed to work together and support candidates contesting on the APC platform in the 2027 elections.

He urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid and the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative and other elective offices.

“We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting. The two main political parties in this state are APC and PDP. They have joined together with other political parties to say, ‘Let there be peace in Rivers State, let there be development and unity,’” he said.

Wike stressed that cooperation between the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives was essential to advancing the state’s development interests.

Describing Eleme as economically strategic to Nigeria, he urged residents to use their votes responsibly and support political arrangements he said would promote stability and development.

The meeting was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and representatives of parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.