2027: Why Ogoni people will vote massively for Tinubu — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said on Wednesday that the people of Ogoni in Rivers State would reward President Bola Tinubu with their votes in the 2027 general elections for establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology in the area.

He also said Tinubu had appointed many sons and daughters of the area to key federal positions.

Wike said the university, established through the efforts of the late Senator Barry Mpigi, would transform the economic fortunes of Ogoniland by creating employment opportunities, stimulating commercial activities and accelerating development in the host communities.

Wike stated this at a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting with the people of Tai Local Government Area, held at Gbenegininwa Hall, Saakpenwa, on Wednesday.

The FCT Minister urged residents to appreciate the long-term benefits of the institution and support Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He described the university as a major opportunity for the people of Tai and the wider Ogoni community, noting that securing approval for a federal institution required extensive legislative and executive processes.

Wike said, “If you don’t know what it is, even me as a minister, it would be difficult to go through the National Assembly. The National Assembly will pass it, it will now go to the President. Sometimes, the bill will stay there for years.”

He urged the people not to underestimate the significance of the university because its operations were still at an early stage, predicting that its developmental impact would become more apparent in the coming years.

“You don’t know what you have because the university just started. By the time this university is four years, five years, then you will know the development,” he said.

He further said the institution would not only provide employment for qualified indigenes but also stimulate demand for accommodation, transportation, trade and other services, creating economic opportunities for businesses and residents.

Wike challenged political leaders in Tai to mobilise support for Tinubu and other candidates backed by the Rainbow Coalition, setting a target of 70 per cent of votes cast in their favour in the forthcoming elections.

He clarified that the target referred to votes actually cast for the candidates, rather than 70 per cent of registered voters.

Wike recalled that Tai had traditionally been among the first local government areas to deliver election results in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, urging its political leaders to sustain the record.

The minister also urged residents to scrutinise the records of politicians seeking their support rather than relying solely on campaign promises.

Meanwhile, Wike also used the meeting to welcome political associates who had returned to the Rainbow Coalition after disagreements, describing their reunion as an opportunity to strengthen unity and cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He maintained that the disagreements had not resulted in members defecting to other political parties, expressing optimism that the group could work together again.

“Let me first of all welcome my brothers. They didn’t go anywhere. There was no fight, they didn’t go to any other party, the same party, but there was a small fight and so we’ve all come back together to work as a team,” he said.

The minister commended the Tai leadership for its role in the reconciliation process, urging it to ensure that returning members were treated fairly and reintegrated into the coalition.

He stressed that the process must be genuine and inclusive, warning against allowing political differences to weaken the group’s cohesion.

Wike said the meeting was also designed to enable political stakeholders to assess their options and determine what would best serve the interests of Tai, Ogoniland and the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

The Chairman of Tai Local Government Council and Rainbow Coalition Coordinator in the area, Mbakpone Okpe, disclosed plans for a partnership with Wike on an estate project to provide accommodation for students, parents and visitors to the Federal University of Environment and Technology.

Okpe said the necessary processes had been concluded, with developers expected to sign an agreement ahead of the commencement of the project.

He also disclosed that the council had constructed the university’s entrance gate and an approximately one-kilometre dual carriageway within the premises to complement the Federal Government’s investment.

The council chairman said Tai recorded 4,568 collected Permanent Voter Cards during the first-quarter distribution exercise, adding that the coalition was working to integrate former members and mobilise supporters across the local government’s 10 wards.

Okpe further disclosed that the council had set aside N100m in an account in preparation for the proposed incentive scheme.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the people of Tai to honour the late Senator Barry Mpigi, whose efforts contributed to securing the federal university for the area, and to thank Wike for his support following the senator’s death in March 2026.