Rivers rally shows Wike’s strength, says APC chieftain

By Daniel Abia PORT HARCOURT — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Princewill Dike, has described the turnout at Tuesday’s Rainbow Coalition rally in Port Harcourt as evidence of the political influence and mobilisation capacity of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Dike, who spoke at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, venue of the rally to unveil coalition candidates for the 2027 general elections, attributed the large turnout to Wike’s political organisation, grassroots connections and ability to mobilise supporters.

He said the gathering had sent a message to those questioning the level of support enjoyed by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State. “The massive crowd at the gathering is an indication that the President has substantial political backing in the state, contrary to claims by antagonists of the FCT Minister’s political influence,” he said. The activist expressed satisfaction with the rally, attributing its success to effective planning and the commitment of supporters who turned out to identify with the political movement.

He described Wike as a pace-setter, adding that the minister’s political achievements and mobilisation record would be difficult for opponents to surpass. Meanwhile, Wike has announced that the proposed campaign rally of President Tinubu in Port Harcourt on November 7, 2026, will hold at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Reacting to the announcement, Dike predicted that the presidential rally would attract a crowd comparable to that witnessed at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, expressing confidence that the venue would be filled to capacity.

He said the turnout at Tuesday’s event had raised expectations for the presidential rally, while urging effective crowd management to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety. Dike also expressed delight that no casualty was recorded at the coalition rally, thanking God for what he described as the successful and peaceful outcome of the gathering.