2027: Ogoni People Will Support Tinubu, Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said on Wednesday that the people of Ogoni in Rivers State will reward President Bola Tinubu with their votes in the 2027 general elections. This is thanks to Tinubu establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology in their area.

Wike also mentioned that Tinubu has appointed many sons and daughters from Ogoni to important federal positions. He believes this shows Tinubu's commitment to the community.

Wike stated at a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting in Tai Local Government Area, held at Gbenegininwa Hall, Saakpenwa, that the university will change the economic situation in Ogoniland. It will create jobs, boost business activities, and speed up development in the host communities.

He urged the residents to see the long-term benefits of the university and support Tinubu’s re-election. He described the university as a big chance for the people of Tai and the Ogoni community as a whole. Wike noted that getting approval for a federal university is not easy and requires a lot of work from both the legislature and the executive.

Wike said, "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 warned the people not to underestimate the importance of the university just because it is new. He predicted that its impact on development will be clear in the coming years.

“You don’t know what you have because the university just started. By the time this university is four years, five years, then you will know the development,” he said.

Wike added that the university will not only create jobs for qualified locals but also increase the demand for housing, transport, trade, and other services. This will open up economic chances for both businesses and residents.

Wike encouraged political leaders in Tai to rally support for Tinubu and other candidates from the Rainbow Coalition. He set a goal of 70 percent of votes for these candidates in the upcoming elections.

He explained that this 70 percent refers to the actual votes cast, not 70 percent of registered voters. Wike recalled that Tai has often been among the first local government areas to report election results in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District. He urged political leaders to keep this record.

Wike also called on residents to carefully check the records of politicians who want their support instead of just believing campaign promises.

Wike welcomed back political associates who returned to the Rainbow Coalition after some disagreements. He said their reunion is a chance to build unity and cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He assured that these disagreements did not lead to members joining other parties. He expressed hope that the group could work together again. "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 praised Tai’s leadership for helping with the reconciliation. He asked them to ensure that returning members are treated well and brought back into the group.

Wike emphasized that the process must be real and inclusive. He warned against allowing political differences to weaken their unity. He said the meeting was also meant for political stakeholders to look at their options and decide what will benefit Tai, Ogoniland, and the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

The Chairman of Tai Local Government Council and Rainbow Coalition Coordinator in the area, Mbakpone Okpe, shared plans for a partnership with Wike on a housing project for students, parents, and visitors to the university.

Okpe said the necessary steps have been taken and developers are expected to sign an agreement soon. He also mentioned that the council has built the university’s entrance gate and a one-kilometre dual carriageway within the university grounds to support the Federal Government’s investment.

Okpe added that Tai recorded 4,568 collected Permanent Voter Cards during the first-quarter distribution. He said the coalition is working to integrate former members and mobilize supporters across the local government’s 10 wards.

He also revealed that the council has set aside N100 million for a planned incentive scheme.

The meeting also allowed the people of Tai to honor the late Senator Barry Mpigi, who helped secure the federal university for the area. They also thanked Wike for his support after the senator’s death in March 2026.