Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, mobilised thousands of young leaders, student union representatives, and political strategists for President Bola Tinubu victory in Rivers.
At the meeting with the youth groups under the Rivers Rainbow Coalition Youths in Port Harcourt, the minister noted the youths’ pivotal role as the foot soldiers of the state’s political movement.
Wike urged the youths to act as the primary strategic vanguard to secure a resounding victory for Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers, Mr Kinsley Chinda, and other candidates under the Rainbow Coalition in the state.
He described the youth as the foundational strength of his political structure, noting the critical role of young people in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Describing the crowd as “ultimate political asset”, Wike said, “look at the number of people here. These are the people who will come out and be our volunteers during the 2027 elections.
The minister stressed that victory in Rivers depends entirely on the grassroots machinery.
He tasked the youth to mobilise aggressively across every polling unit, neighborhood, and community to ensure maximum voter turnout for President Tinubu.
Wike pointed to unprecedented federal appointments and infrastructure development as proof that supporting the Tinubu administration is yielding massive dividends for Rivers.
He noted that under the current administration, the state boasts no fewer than 49 indigenes holding prominent federal positions—a feat he described as “unprecedented” in the history of the state’s democracy since 1999.
Highlighting transformative infrastructure projects, Wike cited the completion of major regional routes, including the historic Bonny-Bodo Road—a project that was previously deemed impossible for decades prior to Tinubu’s intervention.
Wike strongly criticized alternative political figures, warning the youth against political gambling and empty promises.
He urged voters to focus squarely on leaders with proven track records of impact rather than those seeking personal political redemption.
Reaffirming the unshakable resolve of the state, the FCT minister declared that Rivers stands firmly with Tinubu, brushing aside opposition rhetoric.
“Whether you look at any side, Rivers is for Tinubu and therefore, you should take ownership of the campaign ahead of the official candidate unveiling and committee engagements.”
In his remarks, Chinda, assured the young population that his incoming administration would prioritize youth inclusion, vocational skills and community development.
“The message we are sending out today is that the youths of Rivers are unapologetically, unconditionally standing firm with Tinubu for President,” he said.
Chinda said that the core strategy of the Rainbow Coalition ‘is unity and collective strength.
“There will be no compromise. We can only build the state if we build the youths,” he added.
Earlier, key leaders of various youth groups took turns to endorse Tinubu and other candidates of the coalition, expressing gratitude to Wike’s leadership, whom they described as “a unifying pillar”.
Mr Chima Aguma, Coordinator of the Rivers Rainbow Coalition Youth and South-South Coordinator of City Boys, assured Wike of a solid grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu.
“These are people who stood by you throughout the struggle. You can look at their faces—they are people you know and recognize. This is your family; this is your base.
“We are ready to do anything we can to ensure Tinubu and other candidates under the Rainbow Coalition win massively in Rivers.
Also, Mr Bani Nwisabari, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter, presented a plaque honouring Wike for his role as a symbol of political inclusion and unity.
“You are an empowerment strategist. I am a direct beneficiary of your magnanimity and come 2027, the message is very clear; we will do the needful,” Nwisabari said.
On his part, Justice Uranta, President of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), highlighted the legacy projects Wike executed for student welfare, including the permanent NURSS secretariat.
“Rivers students have asked me to tell you and our incoming governor that we shall mobilise across all 23 local government areas, all campuses in Rivers and in the diaspora to ensure that Tinubu and Chinda emerges victorious in Rivers.
