The Chairman of the South South Development Commission and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, has challenged supporters of President Bola Tinubu to prove their loyalty by securing their home states for his 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking on Wednesday during a “thank you” visit by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nwuche emphasised that true allegiance demands action at the grassroots level.
He reminded politicians that “politics is local” and urged those from other states to focus on their own territories rather than meddling in Rivers affairs. “Go back to your states and demonstrate your political strength. Leave Rivers State alone. Rivers State has its own peculiar political dynamics that outsiders may not fully understand,” Nwuche declared.
He described Rivers stakeholders as a united “political family,” stressing collective loyalty to leadership choices. “When a leader chooses, all of us, the least we can do is show gratitude and work collectively as a team. Dividing the team is not how gratitude is shown,” he added.
Nwuche hailed Wike’s role in rallying Rivers voters for Tinubu’s presidential victory and Siminalayi Fubara’s gubernatorial win in the 2023 elections. However, he expressed deep regret over Fubara’s performance, noting that many stakeholders backed him solely on Wike’s endorsement in the state’s interest.
The former Deputy Speaker lavished praise on Wike for delivering over 22 projects to the area, outpacing any governor since 1999. “No governor in Rivers has come close to the level of impact we have witnessed during your tenure as our governor. Therefore, wherever you go, there we shall go,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, Wike said the visit aimed to express gratitude for the 2023 support that delivered Tinubu’s victory and to rally residents for a repeat performance in 2027. He vowed to rectify the “leadership mistake” next year, calling on the people to stay resolute in their trust in the president.
