Wike: No Political Party in Rivers Now, Only Renewed Hope Family

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that political parties in Rivers State have effectively merged into a single coalition backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

Wike made the assertion on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders at an event in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, all political parties in Rivers are now aligned under what he described as a “rainbow coalition” within the Renewed Hope Family, an initiative formed to support President Tinubu.

The former governor of Rivers State said the development represents a shift from traditional party politics to a unified political movement aimed at promoting the collective interests of the state.

“In Rivers, we don’t have any political party for now. What we have is the Renewed Hope Family. It is a rainbow coalition,” Wike said.

He added that the coalition would determine political outcomes in the state after delivering support for Tinubu’s re-election, including governorship and legislative positions.

Wike noted that Rivers State had already begun to benefit from its support for President Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, assuring stakeholders that greater benefits lie ahead.

“This year will be better than last year,” he said.

The FCT minister commended residents and community leaders in Asari-Toru for their support of Tinubu in 2023, describing it as a bold decision that is now producing positive results.

He urged them to remain steadfast, assuring them of his continued support at the appropriate time.

Wike has, in recent weeks, toured several local government areas in Rivers State, where he has made comments widely interpreted as opposition to the re-election bid of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The minister had earlier accused Governor Fubara of breaching the agreement they both signed prior to President Tinubu’s intervention and the lifting of the emergency rule in the state.