Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term in office, citing his courage in implementing difficult economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Wike made the declaration on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
He acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians but argued that the president had demonstrated the kind of leadership needed to address the country’s structural challenges and lay the foundation for sustainable development.
According to the minister, the removal of the petrol subsidy, despite its immediate impact on citizens, had increased the revenue available to state and local governments to meet their obligations and improve service delivery.
“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. But leadership is key to the growth of a family, an association, a church or any business,” he said.
Wike maintained that effective leadership required the courage to make difficult decisions, even when they attracted public criticism.
He cited Tinubu’s decision to end the petrol subsidy regime shortly after assuming office on May 29, 2023, arguing that the policy had placed a heavy financial burden on the country and contributed to difficulties in meeting obligations to workers, pensioners and public institutions.
While admitting that the reforms had not solved all of Nigeria’s problems, he urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the government pursued economic stability.
Drawing from his experience as Rivers State governor, Wike recalled that his administration faced criticism over the construction of flyovers, which sometimes disrupted businesses and transportation.
He said the projects eventually benefited residents, arguing that leaders must sometimes accept temporary inconveniences to achieve long-term development.
The minister also questioned the capacity of opposition politicians to offer a credible alternative to the current administration, warning voters against entrusting the country’s future to what he described as political gamblers.
“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” he told the gathering.
Wike said the town hall meeting was organised to provide residents with information about political developments and enable them to make informed decisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
He blamed misinformation and political propaganda for influencing some voting decisions in the 2023 general election and urged residents to avoid repeating what he described as past mistakes.
He also advised religious leaders to concentrate on their spiritual responsibilities, arguing that politicians should take responsibility for explaining political issues to the public.
Describing Eleme as economically strategic to Nigeria, Wike urged residents to recognise the area’s importance and make informed political choices.
Wike backs Rainbow Coalition candidates
The FCT minister also canvassed support for the Rainbow Coalition, an alliance comprising members of different political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said the coalition was established to promote peace, unity and development in Rivers State, stressing that political differences should not lead to violence or undermine governance.
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 forthcoming elections.
He urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election, as well as the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative and other elective positions.
According to him, cooperation among political parties and between the federal and state governments would strengthen governance and advance Rivers State’s interests.
“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 further urged the people of Eleme to support the coalition, maintaining that political stability and unity were essential for development.
The meeting was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and representatives of parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.