2027: Rivers Elders align with Wike, endorse Tinubu’s re-election
The Rivers Elders Council has formally aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, declaring their commitment to the Renewed Hope political movement championed by the former Rivers governor.
The endorsement was announced on Tuesday during Wike’s thank you visit to Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, where elders, political leaders and supporters gathered to reaffirm their political direction ahead of the next general election.
Chairman of the Rivers Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, said the council had keyed into what he described as Wike’s Renewed Hope Family, noting that the structure remained the most viable platform to secure Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Alabraba said the alignment was based on the political gains Rivers State recorded after supporting Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2023, insisting that the decision helped stabilise the state at a critical time.
According to the elder statesman, the choice made by Rivers voters to back Tinubu in 2023 “was what kept the state afloat,” a development he said validated Wike’s political judgment and leadership style.
He described Wike as an icon in contemporary Nigerian politics, praising his pragmatic approach and ability to inspire confidence across age groups and political divides.
Alabraba also noted that Rivers State’s diverse ethnic composition required deliberate leadership, adding that Wike ensured ethnic balance and harmony throughout his tenure as governor.
“Let me assure you, Rivers people know where to go and the Renewed Hope Agenda is the way to go in 2027,” he said.
The Majority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly, Mr Major Jack, commended Wike for all the developmental projects executed in the area during his tenure as governor of the state.
“We followed you to support Tinubu and today we are enjoying the fruits of that decision and we will do the same in 2027,” he said.
Also, the member representing the LGA in the State Assembly, Mr Lolo Opuende, told Wike that nobody would tell the people what to do in the area except him.
“In 2027, we will stand by you and support your renewed hope family, to return Tinubu for a second term,” he said.
Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, Rivers, Aboiya-a Bob-Fubara, commended Wike for his humility, statesmanship and commitment to inclusive governance.
Bob-Fubara said that the visit would strengthen leadership and governance at the grassroots.
He assured the minister of continued support and loyalty, adding that working with him would bring the needed prosperity in the local government and the state.
In his remarks, Wike explained that the thank you visit was to appreciate the support of the people since 2014 when he declared decision to contest for the governorship seat in the state.
He also thanked the people of the area for keying into the rainbow coalition” to mobilise support for Tinubu reelection, irrespective of party affiliation.
“This is the only state where the two major political parties are working together to return Tinubu in 2027.
“This rainbow coalition is not in any state other than Rivers and that is why we are no longer talking about party politics but renewed hope,” he said.
