Former Rivers Official Claims Minister’s 2023 “Political Risk” Bearing Fruit for State
A former local government chairman in Nigeria’s Rivers State has asserted that the 2023 presidential endorsement by the state’s former governor, now Minister Nyesom Wike, has yielded tangible benefits for the region.
Samuel Nwanosike, who led Ikwerre Local Government Area, stated in a widely shared video interview that residents are now experiencing the results of what he termed a “political risk.” His comments directly reference Minister Wike’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s campaign, breaking with the state’s traditional opposition alignment.
“Wike saw our future and decided to take a political risk by supporting an APC presidential candidate in 2023,” Nwanosike said. He claimed President Tinubu has already begun fulfilling promises to Rivers State, citing the appointment of several state indigenes to key federal positions since the administration began in May 2023.
The former official took the assertion further, predicting unanimous support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. “In 2027, we are not doing political parties; we are all voting for President Tinubu,” he stated, framing the anticipated voting bloc as a form of gratitude.
This analysis presents a significant political narrative from a local figure within Rivers State, a major oil-producing region that has historically been a stronghold of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Minister Wike, a prominent PDP figure for years, crossed over to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate during the 2023 election, a move that drew considerable national attention.
Nwanosike’s argument suggests that federal appointments are the initial returns on that strategic shift. His declaration of automatic 2027 support indicates an attempt to solidify a new political alignment ahead of the next election cycle. The credibility of his claim regarding universal voter intent in Rivers State is a matter for political observers, but the statement itself signals a confidence among some local allies of the minister that the strategy is successful.
The development highlights the ongoing realignment of political alliances in Nigeria’s south-south region. Should the federal government continue to prioritize appointments or projects in Rivers State, this could reinforce the narrative of a beneficial exchange for crossing party lines. Conversely, critics may view the appointments as routine federal character allocations rather than unique favors. The situation underscores the transactional nature of political support and will be closely watched as the 2027 election timeline begins.
