The political tension in Rivers State may escalate following a warning by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that his supporters would force entry into the Yakubu Gowon Stadium if the state government continues to deny them permission to hold rallies there.
Speaking on Friday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Wike said his group had formally applied to use the stadium but was refused, a move he described as unusual and unacceptable.
According to him, any further denial would be met with decisive action. He stated that denying access to public facilities for political mobilisation would not stop his group, adding that “nothing will happen” if the stadium is damaged in the process.
Wike said Rivers State was already setting the pace in political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections and would continue to demonstrate visible support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He declared that political activities had officially begun, stressing that ward-level inaugurations would soon follow. He also questioned the Rivers State Government’s level of commitment to President Tinubu, arguing that political rewards are tied to loyalty and action rather than financial contributions.
The FCT minister further revealed that the rally was a coalition effort and thanked President Tinubu for supporting the Ijaw coalition in producing candidates for the February 21 by-elections in Khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II. He urged supporters to mobilise voters and ensure victory at the polls.
Several political leaders at the event pledged continued support for President Tinubu. Senator George Sekibo thanked the President for appointments and ongoing projects in Rivers State, while Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Okey Chinda, endorsed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing politics as a game of reciprocity.
Also present were the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, the APC State Chairman, Tony Okocha, and former PDP state chairman, Felix Obuah, all of whom pledged support for the President.
Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State, including Felix Obuah, Boma Iyaye and Marcus Nleji, were unveiled at the event, where brand-new buses were presented to aid mobilisation efforts.