2027: Wike Urges Ogoni People To Reward Tinubu With Votes

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that Ogoni people will reward President Bola Tinubu with their votes in the 2027 general elections for giving them a Federal University of Environment and Technology and appointing their sons and daughters into key federal positions.
The Minister, who said the Federal University of Environment and Technology will become a major driver of employment, economic growth and development in the Ogoni area, spoke on Wednesday at a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting with the people of Tai at Gbenegininwa Hall, Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He urged residents to appreciate the long-term benefits of the institution, describing its establishment as a significant achievement that could transform the fortunes of the area.
Chief Wike said the university was the product of sustained efforts by the late Senator Barry Mpigi, who worked to secure federal approval for its establishment before his death.
“If you don’t know what it is, even me as a minister, it would be difficult to go through the National Assembly. The National Assembly will pass it, it will now go to the President. Sometimes, the bill will stay there for years,” he said.
The minister’s remarks came as the Tai Local Government Council disclosed plans to partner with him on an estate project intended to provide accommodation for students, parents and visitors to the institution.
At the town hall meeting, Chief Wike also welcomed political associates who had returned to the Rainbow Coalition after disagreements, describing their reunion as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among leaders and supporters.
He said the group had not broken into separate political parties, adding that the disagreements that arose among members should not prevent them from working together.
“Let me first of all welcome my brothers. They didn’t go anywhere. There was no fight, they didn’t go to any other party, the same party, but there was a small fight and so we’ve all come back together to work as a team,” he said.
The minister commended the local government chairman for his commitment to reconciliation and urged the leadership to ensure that returning members were treated fairly.
He said the reintegration process should be genuine and inclusive, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the group’s cohesion.
Chief Wike said the meeting was also intended to enable political stakeholders to assess their options and consider what would best serve the interests of Tai, Ogoni and the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
He urged residents to examine the records of political leaders seeking their support rather than rely solely on campaign promises.
The minister questioned what some political figures had done for the area while occupying public offices, arguing that voters should assess their contributions to the development of Rivers State and the country.
Chief Wike also challenged political leaders in Tai to meet a proposed target of securing 70 per cent of votes for President Tinubu and other candidates supported by the Rainbow Coalition in the forthcoming elections.
He clarified that the target was based on votes cast in favour of the candidates, rather than 70 per cent of registered voters.
The minister recalled that Tai had traditionally been among the first local governments to deliver its election results in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
He encouraged the local government to maintain its record, adding that it could receive additional support if it achieved the target.
Chief Wike said the proposed incentive was intended to encourage political mobilisation and strengthen the coalition’s grassroots organisation.