ABUJA: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared that the “leadership mistake” he and his political allies made in Rivers State would be corrected in 2027, signalling a major realignment ahead of the next general elections.
Wike, who spoke during a thank-you visit to the people of Khana in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, said the community had demonstrated uncommon loyalty and political courage, qualities he insisted would not be taken for granted. The former Rivers governor emphasized that true leadership must reflect the collective will of the people and not personal ambition.
“We will not make the same mistake again at the state level in 2027. We will talk about it when the time comes. Just follow your leaders. Anywhere you see them going, that is where we are going,” he declared.
Although he stressed that the visit was not political, Wike used the occasion to acknowledge the steadfast support the people of Khana gave him and President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections, noting that their decision—considered risky at the time—was already yielding dividends.
“During the turbulent period, Khana stood with us. Today, you can see the benefits: good roads, the University of Environment, and several other projects, all because of the President’s love. So many appointments have come to Ogoniland, and more are on the way,” he said.
Wike added that Rivers people were moving away from strict party-line voting and would henceforth prioritize loyalty, development, and the values encapsulated in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, Rep. Dumnamene Dekor (APC–Khana) hailed Wike and President Tinubu for transforming Ogoniland into what he described as “the pride of the nation.” He praised Wike’s continued engagement with Rivers communities and pledged unwavering loyalty: “We are proud to be associated with you. Whatever you ask us to do, we will do; wherever you ask us to go, we will go.”
Dekor further assured Wike that lawmakers from Rivers State had effectively surrendered their mandate to President Tinubu in a show of total alignment.
Also speaking, Mrs Barile Nwakoh, representing APC Khana 1 State Constituency, thanked Wike for remembering the people of Khana, attributing his expanding influence in the state to his goodwill, sincerity and love for the people. She declared that Khana women were ready to mobilize fully for President Tinubu should he seek a second term.
“We are ready to work for Tinubu. Please tell Mr President that we are here for him and ready to work for his re-election,” she said.
In a similar vein, Chairman of Khana Local Government Council, Dr Thomas Bariere, expressed gratitude to Wike, noting that positive change naturally follows when the right people are placed in positions of leadership. “Since our support for President Tinubu, things have become better for the people of Khana. You have supported everything good for our people, and we are truly grateful,” he said.
