Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the Renewed Hope family, which he presently leads, has effectively taken control of the political structure in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

The FCT Minister made the claim on Saturday, in Andoni Local Government Area, in continuation of his ongoing ‘Thank You’ visits to supporters across the state’s 23 local government areas, which began on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Wike, whose continued interest in the leadership and control of Rivers State’s political structure has been linked to the lingering political crisis in the state, as well as the recent impeachment notice served on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Ordu, by the Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly, refrained from making direct comments on the ongoing legislature–executive face-off.

Instead, he praised his administration for enjoying what he described as a “robust relationship” with the Awaji Ikunyi Ibani-led legislature during his tenure as governor, adding that he followed due process in the screening of individuals appointed into government offices.

Wike said the Renewed Hope family would support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, stressing, however, that the mistake made in 2023 by supporting Fubara’s emergence as governor would not be repeated.

He said, “Many people were not able to come out to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We took the risk and said we were going to support him.

“Today, God guided us in taking that risk, and we have seen the result. Who would have thought that a South-South person, a Rivers person, would be appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory?

“So, I want all of you to continue to play the role you played in 2023 by ensuring that we continue to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is no negotiation about that.

“Our local politics, at the appropriate time, will take a decision. But for now, we have said that the mistake we made will be corrected.”

Wike reiterated that there were no longer political parties in Rivers State, saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had come together in a rainbow coalition known as the Renewed Hope family.

He thanked his supporters in the local government area and urged them to continue to follow their leaders within the Renewed Hope family.

“Today is the 20th local government we have covered within one week and a few days. I know that if they come out from where they are, they will struggle to copy what you have done. But one thing I will say is to continue to pray, because we have taken over the local government council,” he said.

He also took a swipe at those he described as “One-man Iroko” in Andoni, accusing them of stalling development in the local government area, including the completion of the Unity Road. He commended the current crop of leaders in the area, noting that only through unity could meaningful development be achieved.

Andoni leaders, including Awaji Ikunyi Ibani, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, praised Wike for his political sagacity and contributions to the development of the area.

Also speaking, Ofiks Kabangs Christopher, the member representing Andoni in the state House of Assembly, emphasised that “the mistake of 2023 will be corrected in the state. (Nigerian Tribune)

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