Rivers State may face political tensions as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, threatens to forcibly access the Yakubu Gowon Stadium if denied permission for upcoming political rallies.
Wike made the statement on Friday while inaugurating the senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a group supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. He claimed that his team had applied to the state government for the stadium but was refused, describing the denial as unprecedented.
“If we are denied again, we will break the stadium, and nothing will happen,” Wike said, insisting that Rivers State would continue leading political mobilisation efforts in support of the President. He emphasised that political activities had officially begun, with ward-level inaugurations planned in the coming weeks.
Wike also questioned the state government’s commitment to the Tinubu administration, asserting that political loyalty, not financial contributions, should determine rewards.
The event saw other prominent political figures reaffirm their support for the President. Senator George Sekibo praised Tinubu’s appointments and projects in Rivers, while Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Okey Chinda, pledged backing for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
Former PDP state chairman Felix Obuah and APC state chairman Tony Okocha also voiced support for the President, highlighting preparations for upcoming elections.
During the ceremony, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors received new buses to aid mobilisation efforts for the coalition’s activities ahead of the February 21 by-elections in Khana and Ahoada West constituencies.
