The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that there are no longer political parties in Rivers State, saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have come together in a rainbow coalition known as the Renewed Hope Family.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Wike made the declaration during his ongoing “thank you” visit to supporters across the state’s 23 local government areas, which began on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Speaking in Andoni Local Government Area on Friday and Saturday, the FCT Minister said the Renewed Hope Family, which he presently leads, has effectively taken control of the political structure in all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
“We don’t have party allegiance in Rivers. What we have is a Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope Family in pursuit of a common cause and interest,” Wike said.
The former governor 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 Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s emergence would not be repeated.
“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?” Wike said.
“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,” he added.
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 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 thanked his supporters in Andoni 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 called for unity of purpose for the growth and progress of Rivers State, stating that unity had brought progress and development to the Andoni people.
Wike 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.
The member representing Andoni in the Rivers Assembly, Ofiks Kagbang Christopher, said Wike had done so much for the constituency, pledging that the people would follow his directive in 2027.
“I am an Ijaw son, and I want to let you know that Ijaw people are grateful people. The one in the government house is a mistake, and we will correct that mistake when the time comes,” he said.
The chairman of the council, Prince Otuo, told Wike that he had united the party leaders in the area to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election for a second term in 2027.
Otuo thanked Wike for all the support and employment opportunities provided to his people, including projects executed in the area during Wike’s tenure as governor of the state.
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.
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