Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the “leadership mistake” made by his political camp in Rivers State will be firmly corrected in 2027.
Wike made the remark during a thank-you visit to the people of Khana in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he commended them for what he described as their loyalty and political courage.
The former Rivers State governor said leaders are elected to represent the collective interest of the people rather than pursue personal ambitions.
He said, “We will not make the same mistake again at the state level in 2027. We will talk about it when the time comes. Just follow your leaders. Anywhere you see them going, that is where we are going.”
Wike explained that the visit was not intended for political mobilisation but to appreciate the people of Khana for standing with him and President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the people of Khana took a bold political decision by supporting Tinubu at a time many others were unsure, adding that their courage was already yielding tangible results.
The minister said, “During the turbulent period, Khana stood with us. Today, you can see the benefits: good roads, the University of Environment, and several other projects, all because of the President’s love. So many appointments have come to Ogoniland, and more are on the way.”
Wike also declared that politics in Rivers State would no longer be driven strictly by party affiliation, stressing that future choices would be based on family ties, loyalty and development.
Earlier, Dumnamene Dekor praised Wike and President Tinubu for what he described as the transformation of Ogoniland into “the pride of the nation.”
Dekor said, “We are proud to be associated with you. Whatever you ask us to do, we will do; wherever you ask us to go, we will go.”
Speaking on behalf of women in the area, Barile Nwakoh of APC Khana 1 State Constituency thanked Wike for remembering the people of Khana, attributing his growing political influence in Rivers State to his goodwill, sincerity and love for the people.
Nwakoh said, “We are ready to work for Tinubu. Please tell Mr President that we are here.”
What you should know
Nyesom Wike remains a central political figure in Rivers State despite serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
His comments signal ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, especially within Rivers politics. By acknowledging a past “leadership mistake,” Wike is hinting at strategic changes in candidate selection and political alliances.
His close alignment with President Bola Tinubu and emphasis on loyalty and development reflect a shift from traditional party-based voting toward influence-driven politics, particularly in Ogoniland and other key parts of the state.
