Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has set a target of three million votes for President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections, directing members of the state Presidential Campaign Council to recruit at least five new voters daily.
Wike gave the directive on Thursday during the inauguration of the Rivers State Presidential Campaign Council, where he urged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, remain committed and focus on issue-based campaigns.
The minister expressed confidence in Tinubu’s victory in the state, saying the major responsibility before the council was to deliver the targeted votes.
He recalled a discussion with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the proposed three-million-vote target, noting that he had assured him the figure was attainable with adequate mobilisation and commitment.
Wike also dismissed concerns over delays in the appointment of members to various campaign committees, assuring that the lists of subcommittee chairmen and members would be ready by Monday to enable them to begin operations.
He charged members to regard their appointments as an opportunity to contribute to the Rainbow Coalition, stressing the importance of unity, discipline and collective commitment in the campaign.
The minister further cited the position of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, whom he said had expressed support for the coalition, adding that the traditional ruler indicated he would have joined the political platform if not for his traditional responsibilities.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, described the newly inaugurated campaign council as broader and better organised than the structure that mobilised support for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.
Fubara said former political opponents had put aside their differences to work towards a common objective, expressing confidence that the coalition could secure a stronger electoral outcome in 2027.
He assured those who were not included in the initial appointments that they would be accommodated in the various subcommittees.
The governor, however, warned against double-dealing, urging members to demonstrate genuine loyalty to the campaign rather than publicly declaring support while working against its objectives privately.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the political arrangement, saying he was prepared to defend his position both publicly and privately.
