By Philip Yatai
Port Harcourt, Jan. 1, 2026
In a significant political gathering that underscores the early jostling for the 2027 general elections, key stakeholders from Rivers State’s Abua-Odual Local Government Area have publicly declared their unwavering allegiance to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. This pledge, made during a “thank you” visit by Wike to the area, is more than mere rhetoric; it is a strategic maneuver within the complex and often volatile politics of Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
The event, held on the symbolic first day of the new year, saw local council chairman Mr. Owolobi Ofori and other leaders affirm their position under Wike’s “political canopy.” Ofori’s declaration—”We know who we are following and we know where we are going”—highlights a calculated alignment. In Nigerian politics, such public declarations are crucial for securing patronage, attracting federal projects, and ensuring local leaders’ political survival. The pledge of “100 per cent” loyalty is a direct message intended to solidify their faction’s standing within the broader power structure controlled by Wike and, by extension, the national apparatus of President Tinubu.
The testimonials offered reveal the transactional nature of political loyalty. Mr. John Iderima, a state legislator, stated the communities “never had it good until Wike became a governor,” pointing to the tangible benefits—presumably infrastructure and appointments—that underpin such support. Former Minister Udi Odum’s remark that “whoever did not get your blessing will fail in this area” is a stark acknowledgment of Wike’s enduring “godfather” influence in Rivers politics, where his endorsement can make or break electoral fortunes.
In his response, Minister Wike made the 2027 objective explicit, framing continued support for Tinubu as a reciprocal duty. “Our support to Tinubu in 2023 did not go in vain,” he stated, citing appointments and development projects for Rivers people. This narrative of reciprocity is central to maintaining a loyal base. Wike’s announcement of a “decision” to back Tinubu’s re-election, delivered in a local government area, acts as an early mobilization tool, aiming to consolidate grassroots support well ahead of the official campaign cycle.
Context and Implications: This event is a microcosm of Nigeria’s pre-election calculus. First, it demonstrates Wike’s continued grassroots mobilization efforts to maintain his relevance as a key power broker and a conduit to the federal center. Second, it signals the early crystallization of political blocs for the 2027 presidential race, with the Niger Delta’s oil-rich Rivers State being a critical battleground. The inclusion of women leader Mrs. Ukel Oyakimi’s pledge underscores the effort to present a unified front across demographics.
Ultimately, pledges of loyalty in Nigerian political theatre are declarations of intent for resource allocation and political protection. The Abua-Odual declarations are less about blind fealty and more about strategic positioning within a patronage network, setting the stage for the intense political negotiations and realignments that will define the run-up to 2027.
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
Source: NAN News
