The FCT minister says the Rainbow Coalition will mobilise grassroots support for the president, while APC governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda promises compulsory bursary payments and improved technical education for Rivers youths……
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC), through the Rainbow Coalition, will secure victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Wike pledged to deliver massive votes for Tinubu in Rivers State and the FCT, insisting that opposition threats and political manoeuvres would not derail the president’s re-election bid.
Speaking to Rivers Rainbow Coalition youths in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the former Rivers State governor said the administration’s infrastructure projects and policy interventions had strengthened its appeal among Nigerians.
He maintained that political leaders should be judged by their performance and the benefits they deliver to the people, rather than campaign promises.
Wike said the Rainbow Coalition was established to support what he described as purposeful leadership and sustain development across the country, citing roads and bridges as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving lives, particularly at the grassroots.
“We are not playing politics for the sake of it without bringing benefits to our people. After all, we are not looking for those who are fine or finer. We are looking for those who will do something that will positively impact Nigerians and the Rivers people,” he said.
The minister insisted that Rivers State’s political decisions should be guided by the interests of its people and the benefits they stand to gain from the Federal Government.
He noted that no fewer than 49 indigenes of Rivers State currently occupy prominent positions in the Federal Government, asking supporters to consider the state’s interests when making political choices.
“What is important is: where is Rivers State, Where are we going, and how will the election benefit Rivers State? That’s what we’re talking about,” Wike said.
He criticised opposition politicians, describing some as political gamblers who lacked consistency and had failed to demonstrate a clear commitment to voters. He warned against supporting candidates who make promises without delivering tangible results.
“You cannot vote for a political gambler. Every time, they come around making empty promises, but our people know better now,” he said.
Wike expressed confidence that voters would assess candidates based on their records and the practical impact of their policies rather than political rhetoric.
“We want to win this election with a difference,” he added.
The FCT minister also stressed the importance of youth participation in the coalition’s mobilisation efforts, directing that young people be adequately represented on committees responsible for presidential rallies and other campaign activities.
“The committee for the presidential rally must put a reasonable number of our youths,” he said, adding that their energy and involvement would be crucial to the coalition’s success.
He urged supporters to remain united, strengthen grassroots structures and mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the meeting, Wike also criticised opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, questioning their credibility and suitability for the presidency. He described Atiku as untrustworthy and called Obi a “fake man”, while reaffirming the coalition’s support for Tinubu’s re-election.
Meanwhile, APC governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda pledged to run a youth-friendly and inclusive administration if elected, promising compulsory bursary payments by local government councils and improvements in technical education.
Chinda said his proposed administration would prioritise youth development, education and vocational training, stressing that empowering young people was essential to the state’s progress.
He thanked members of the Rainbow Coalition Youths for supporting the political movement led by Wike, saying the meeting was organised to appreciate their loyalty during difficult times.
“Our leader very sincerely appreciates that. And that is why he said, even if it is for five or 10 minutes. What we have come to do is to say thank you for what you have done. You are not forgotten. We appreciate you and will continue to appreciate you in different ways,” Chinda said.
He described Wike as a youth-friendly leader and pledged that those working with him would sustain his commitment to youth development.
Chinda also called for unity among political stakeholders in Rivers State, saying collective action was necessary to achieve the coalition’s objectives.
“The message we are sending out today is that the youths of Rivers State are unapologetically, unconditionally standing firm with Tinubu for President,” he said.
He added that Wike’s political engagements across the state were intended to unite stakeholders and strengthen the coalition ahead of future elections.
On youth welfare, Chinda said bursary payments would receive particular attention, with local government chairmen expected to prioritise the needs of students.
“In fact, when you talked about bursary, he whispered to me, ‘You must take it very seriously.’
“So it will be compulsory for every local government council chairman to take the issues of bursary seriously. Compulsory, without compromise,” he said.
He also promised reforms in the state’s education system, particularly the expansion of technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills.
The Rivers State Coordinator of the Rainbow Coalition Youth and South-South Coordinator of City Boys, Chima Aguma, assured Wike of strong grassroots mobilisation to secure victory for Tinubu and other candidates backed by the coalition.
Similarly, the President of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), Justice Uranta, pledged to mobilise students across the state’s 23 local government areas, tertiary institutions and the diaspora in support of Tinubu and the coalition’s governorship candidate.
The youth leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising grassroots support for the president and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
