2027: Wike Says Tinubu’s Reforms Key To Nigeria’s Economic Recovery

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said Nigeria’s economic recovery depends on the sustained implementation of the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike spoke at a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local government area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, where he urged Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration’s economic policies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The minister said the reforms were necessary to rescue an economy he described as being in a critical condition when the Tinubu administration assumed office.

Recalling his position ahead of the 2023 elections, Wike said he had warned that the reforms would be difficult but necessary.

“When in 2023 I came here, I pleaded with you and said, ‘Listen, no matter how difficult it may sound, it is better for us to go the way I was going.’

“So many people were afraid, but to the glory of God, we can see that we never made a mistake,” he said.

Wike argued that abandoning the current economic direction could undermine the gains recorded so far, urging voters to reject what he described as political opportunism in 2027.

He warned against entrusting the country’s future to politicians he described as “political gamblers” and “kalo-kalo players.”

“Do not put your destiny into the hands of political gamblers or kalo-kalo players. Look at a man who has run for President for years—Atiku Abubakar.

“Every time he will try. If you make a mistake and support him, what you are doing is supporting him to recover all the money he has spent for those eight years. We cannot put your destiny in their hands,” Wike said.

He also criticised former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, dismissing some of his public engagements as lacking the substance required for national leadership.

According to Wike, Nigerians should support leaders with a clear policy direction rather than politicians who, in his view, change positions for political advantage.

“People should pick a stance and tell themselves: ‘This is who I am,’ not changing like a chameleon. Tinubu is the person who has shown true direction,” he said.

The minister also renewed his criticism of former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, challenging him to account for the management of state resources during his tenure.

Wike said political leaders seeking public office should be judged by their records in previous positions.

“If I come now to campaign, you must ask me: the one we gave you before, how far?” he said.

He further explained that the Rainbow Coalition was aimed at building political alignment capable of supporting the President’s economic agenda through the National Assembly.

Wike therefore urged voters to support candidates aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), including candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives, to ensure legislative backing for the administration’s policies.

He called on party leaders and grassroots mobilisers to begin preparations for the 2027 elections.

“I want total mobilisation on the 16th of January 2027. Everybody mobilised—make sure we vote and win decisively to protect our collective future,” he declared.

Earlier, at the palace of the Oba of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, in Omoku, Wike appealed to traditional rulers to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He acknowledged that traditional rulers were expected to remain non-partisan but argued that political decisions directly affected the peace, welfare and development of their communities.

The minister said his visit was intended to engage traditional institutions and grassroots stakeholders on the political realities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Responding, Obuoha-Obi assured Wike that the kingdom supported Tinubu’s leadership.

“It is only a wicked man whose heart has no God in it, that sees his brother going for something good and he begins to pull the building on his bed. Such one should not prosper,” the monarch said.

He said supporting Tinubu was important to securing political influence, economic development and sustainable progress for the people of Ogbaland.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of ONELGA, Dr Chukwu Shedrack, commended Wike for projects executed in the council, including road construction, hospital upgrades and human-capital development initiatives.

Shedrack pledged the council’s support for Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections.

“Your Excellency, we are fully mobilised, ward by ward, unit by unit. Come the 2027 general elections, ONELGA people will deliver 100 per cent, from President to National Assembly and House of Assembly, no vote will drop,” he assured.