The Rivers Elders Council has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, aligning with the “Renewed Hope Family” initiative spearheaded by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

Chairman of the council, Mr. Ferdinand Alabraba, announced the endorsement on Tuesday during Mr. Wike’s “thank you” visit to Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the initiative, tagged the “Rainbow Coalition”, has brought together members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second term in office.

Mr. Alabraba said Mr. Wike’s Renewed Hope Family represented the right political direction for 2027, citing the gains recorded by the state following its support for President Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2023.

He said the decision by Rivers people to vote for Mr. Tinubu in 2023 helped keep the state politically and economically afloat.

The elder statesman described Mr. Wike as an icon of contemporary Nigerian politics, noting his pragmatic political style and astute leadership, which he said inspire both young and old.

He further observed that Rivers State is a multi-ethnic society, adding that the minister ensured ethnic harmony during his tenure as governor of the state.

“Let me assure you that Rivers people know where to go, and the renewed hope agenda is the way forward in 2027,” Mr. Alabraba said.

The Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Major Jack, also commended Mr. Wike for the development projects executed in the area during his time as governor.

“We followed you to support Tinubu, and today we are enjoying the fruits of that decision. We will do the same in 2027,” he said.

Similarly, the member representing Akuku-Toru in the State Assembly, Mr. Lolo Opuende, told Mr. Wike that the people of the area remained firmly behind him.

“In 2027, we will stand by you and support your renewed hope family to return Tinubu for a second term,” he said.

Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, Rivers State, Mr. Aboiya-a Bob-Fubara, praised Mr. Wike’s humility, statesmanship, and commitment to inclusive governance, noting that the visit would strengthen leadership and governance at the grassroots.

Mr. Bob-Fubara assured the minister of continued loyalty and support, adding that working with him would bring much-needed prosperity to the local government area and the state.

In his remarks, Mr. Wike said the visit was to appreciate the support he had received from the people since 2014, when he declared his intention to contest the governorship of Rivers State.

He also thanked the people for embracing the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election, irrespective of party affiliation.

“This is the only state where the two major political parties are working together to return Tinubu in 2027,” Mr. Wike said.

“This rainbow coalition exists in no other state. That is why we are no longer talking about party politics, but renewed hope.”