Wike targets 3m votes for Tinubu in Rivers
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA — Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory minister, launched the Presidential Campaign Council for Rivers State on Thursday, emphasizing the goal of recruiting at least five new voters daily in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 election bid.
During the inauguration, Wike set an ambitious target of securing three million votes for Tinubu in Rivers. He urged council members to focus their efforts on issue-based campaigns and remain dedicated to their tasks.
Addressing concerns about confusion related to committee appointments, Wike assured members that the list of chairpersons and their respective teams would be finalized by Monday, enabling them to begin their work promptly.
“By Monday, the list of chairpersons and members for the subcommittees will be ready so that the chairpersons can start by inviting their committee members,” Wike said.
He expressed optimism regarding the president’s prospects in Rivers State, underscoring that the immediate mission of the council is to achieve the targeted vote count.
“Everyone knows we will win the election in Rivers State. We are not concerned with discussions about victory at this stage,” he stated.
Wike recounted a conversation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, where he reaffirmed the feasibility of the three-million-vote goal through diligent efforts.
“He asked, ‘How many registered voters do you have?’ I informed him, ‘over three million.’ He responded, ‘You will bring three million.’ I said, ‘Well, we will try,’” Wike recalled. He expressed confidence that achieving this figure is possible with hard work.
The minister encouraged the council members to view their roles as opportunities to support the Rainbow Coalition, emphasizing the importance of unity and discipline amid potential opposition.
Wike also referenced the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who expressed support for the coalition during a courtesy visit from the Peoples Democratic Party’s National Working Committee. Wike noted Ladoja’s position as a traditional ruler limits his political affiliations but indicated that, otherwise, he would join the Rainbow Coalition, which seeks to unite diverse political interests for Tinubu’s re-election.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara described the newly formed campaign council as larger, more inclusive, and better coordinated than the one that helped secure Tinubu’s victory in 2023. He stated that former political rivals now stand united in their efforts for both the state and the presidency.
“Nothing is impossible. The only thing that is impossible is to revive the dead. If we treat this as a serious task, we will achieve a stronger vote than in 2023,” Fubara said.
He reassured members omitted from initial appointments that they would be included in subcommittees, while also urging them to show true dedication to the campaign rather than merely professing loyalty publicly.
“I am here, and I say it boldly anywhere, any day: I have taken this position,” he emphasized.
Additionally, representatives from traditional and community stakeholders addressed allegations questioning the legitimacy of the Community Coordination and Participation Monitoring Committee (CCPMC). They clarified that its formation resulted from broader community consultations and included various interest groups across the four kingdoms.
The stakeholders highlighted that the committee’s establishment began in 2025, involving engagement with traditional rulers and leaders to ensure comprehensive representation.
They noted that HRH Decca Keredei, appointed to represent traditional rulers on the committee, was informed of the inauguration plans but was unable to attend, sending a deputy in his place.
The stakeholders asserted that numerous entities, including the Department of State Services, police, and traditional leaders, were invited to the committee’s inauguration, challenging the motives of those now questioning its legitimacy for not raising concerns during earlier consultation phases.
