Wike Declares Rivers Must Back Tinubu’s Re-Election, Cites Federal Appointments and Projects
By Baron Eloagu / May 30,2026
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s increasingly heated political landscape witnessed fresh drama on Saturday as the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) relocated its national convention venue following a police blockade in Abuja and proceeded to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The development unfolded amid rising tensions over political realignments ahead of 2027, while Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike simultaneously declared that Rivers State had “no choice” but to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The twin developments underscore the deepening political contestations already reshaping Nigeria’s electoral environment less than a year into active preparations for the next general elections.
Police Barricade Forces Last-Minute Venue Change
The Turaki-led PDP convention suffered an unexpected disruption after heavily armed police operatives blocked access to the initially scheduled venue, the A-Class Event Centre located in Abuja’s Wuse district.
Eyewitnesses reported that several police vehicles completely sealed off the access roads leading to the facility from both the Wuse and Maitama axes, effectively preventing delegates, party officials and ordinary road users from reaching the venue.
The blockade came barely 24 hours after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) issued a warning to hotels and event centres against hosting political gatherings associated with organisations not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Party officials subsequently relocated the convention to an undisclosed alternative venue where proceedings were concluded within approximately twenty minutes.
Jonathan Ratified As PDP Presidential Candidate
Despite the disruption, delegates unanimously ratified former President Goodluck Jonathan as the faction’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Jonathan was absent from the convention, but his certificate of nomination was received on his behalf by former Bayelsa State lawmaker and political ally, Fred Agbedi.
Among prominent political figures present at the event were:
- Prof. Jerry Gana
- Former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki
- Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara
- Senior party stakeholders aligned with the Turaki bloc
The ratification positions Jonathan for a potential political comeback nearly two decades after first assuming Nigeria’s highest office.
PDP Alleges Political Intimidation
The Turaki-led PDP accused authorities of attempting to frustrate its democratic activities.
Party leaders maintained that all requirements for the convention had been fulfilled, including payment for the venue and prior notification to security agencies.
According to the party, management of the A-Class Event Centre had earlier informed organizers that pressure was being mounted on them to withdraw hosting arrangements.
The faction described the blockade as a dangerous signal for democratic participation and political pluralism.
Party officials insisted that no amount of intimidation would deter their preparations for the 2027 elections.
Wike Throws Weight Behind Tinubu
While the Abuja political drama unfolded, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was making equally significant declarations in Port Harcourt.
Speaking during a luncheon organised by the Rainbow Coalition, Wike openly endorsed President Tinubu’s second-term ambition and urged Rivers residents to remain loyal to the administration.
The former Rivers governor argued that the state had benefitted more under Tinubu than under previous federal administrations.
According to Wike, Rivers people must objectively assess federal appointments, infrastructure projects and political opportunities allocated to the state since 2023.
“President Tinubu has shown so much appreciation to Rivers people. We have no choice but to continue supporting him,” Wike declared.
Rivers Politics and the Rainbow Coalition Strategy
Wike used the occasion to strengthen the political relevance of the Rainbow Coalition, a growing political alliance attracting politicians from multiple parties.
He challenged politicians seeking elective positions in Rivers State to align with the coalition.
The minister emphasized grassroots mobilisation rather than media campaigns as the determining factor in electoral success.
According to him:
- Elections are won at polling units.
- Political structures matter more than television appearances.
- Local government and ward mobilisation remain critical.
Wike expressed confidence that the coalition would dominate future political contests across Rivers State.
Call for Reconciliation
In a conciliatory gesture, Wike extended an olive branch to political opponents and aggrieved stakeholders.
He urged former allies and critics to return and join forces for the development of Rivers State.
The minister stressed that leadership should be evaluated based on competence, performance and commitment to public welfare rather than ethnicity, religion or regional considerations.
Political analysts view the statement as part of broader efforts to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Emerging Battle Lines Ahead of 2027
Saturday’s developments reveal an increasingly fragmented opposition landscape.
While one PDP faction has endorsed Jonathan, other opposition coalitions continue to realign around separate political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
The police blockade incident is also likely to intensify debates over political freedoms, party recognition and the role of security agencies in electoral activities.
With multiple political camps already mobilising supporters, analysts predict that the coming months could witness heightened legal, political and institutional battles as parties position themselves for the next presidential election.
The ratification of Goodluck Jonathan by the Turaki-led PDP despite a dramatic police blockade, coupled with Nyesom Wike’s emphatic endorsement of President Tinubu, highlights the rapidly evolving political dynamics shaping Nigeria’s 2027 electoral contest.
As alliances shift, opposition forces reorganise and ruling party structures consolidate, the road to 2027 is already becoming one of the most fiercely contested political seasons in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Whether Jonathan’s re-emergence can unify the fragmented opposition or whether Tinubu’s growing support among influential political actors like Wike will strengthen the ruling party’s hold on power remains a defining question for Nigeria’s future.
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