By Abubakar Yunus Ojima-Ojo
Politics of the 2027 general election seems to have begun as t by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, on Sunday consolidated on his support based in Rivers State.
Also, the group of five state governors, who worked against the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, seem to have reactivated their machinery ahead of the 2027 election.
A New Year luncheon organised by Wike at his private residence at Rumueprikom, Port Harcourt, attracted serving and former members of the National Assembly, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to him as well as the famous G-5 governors.
Also in attendance were the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron and the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tony Okocha, as well as Chairmen of the 23 local government areas of the state.
Recall that the minister, who is also the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, had during a private visit to the residence of the APC national vice chairman, South-South, Chief Victor Giadom, at Bera community in Gokana local government area of the state, boasted that very soon, they true political leaders of the state would be unveiled.
Speaking during the laucheon, Wike admonished his supporters not to be pained about the sacrifices they made during the 2023 election in the state, which produced Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He said: Wike: “It is not everything you invest in that you will reap in. People establish company and it crumbles. They have to be alive to make sure the companies stay.
“So, you cannot say I did this and that. God knows why things happen they way they happen. You cannot. But, what is important in life; to God be the glory. Life continues to see what is happening. When a man is dead, he doesn’t know what is happening.
“So, you should be able to advise your children, you should be able to advise your friends. I was alive and this is what I saw; don’t allow yourself to be a victim.”
Speaking at the event, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who reaffirmed the G-5 loyalty to Wike as the leader of the group, pledged the group’s continuous support to the Presidency of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
Ortom said: “All of us are here today to support Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as leader of the G-5. We are here because we recognise Wike as leader of G-5. I am speaking on behalf of G-5 governors.
Governor Ikpeazu is not here because his son is getting married in Lagos today. We have to sacrifice that event with his consent, so that we will be able to honour this invitation, even though belated.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who is the youth leader of thx G-5 governors is in the United States on vacation with his family. Of course, you know if was in Nigeria, he would have done everything to be around because he respects Wike.
“Today, the G-5 governors are going to talk about President Tinubu, Wike and Rivers State. Tinubu, we are very proud of you. The demand of G-5 governors was that a Southerner should emerge as President. All of us supported Tinubu during the election and we are going to continue to support his Presidency