A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Princewill Dike, described the massive turnout at the unveiling of Rainbow Coalition candidates in Port Harcourt as a demonstration of the political supremacy and mobilisation strength of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.
Dike also predicted a larger turnout at President Bola Tinubu’s proposed presidential campaign rally in Rivers State on November 7, saying the successful outing at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium had raised expectations for the forthcoming event.
Speaking after Tuesday’s rally, Dike attributed the large crowd to Wike’s political influence, organisational capacity and ability to mobilise grassroots support across the state.
He said the turnout sent a strong message to those questioning Wike’s political relevance and the level of support Tinubu enjoys 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.
Dike noted that the event, which brought together supporters of the Rainbow Coalition, demonstrated Wike’s and his associates’ mobilisation capacity, adding that their grassroots connections continue to shape political activities in the state.
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He expressed satisfaction with the rally’s outcome, attributing its success to effective planning and supporters’ commitment, who turned out in large numbers to identify with the political movement.
Describing Wike as a political pace-setter, the APC chieftain maintained that the minister’s political achievements and mobilisation records would be difficult for his opponents to surpass. AccessServices
During the event, Wike announced that the proposed campaign rally for Tinubu’s re-election, scheduled for November 7, 2026, would be held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Reacting to the announcement, Dike expressed confidence that turnout at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium would match, if not surpass, that at the presidential rally, predicting the venue would be full.
He said the successful outing had heightened expectations for the November 7 event, while urging that adequate crowd-control measures be put in place to prevent overcrowding and safeguard participants.
Dike also thanked God for the successful conclusion of the Rainbow Coalition rally, expressing relief that no casualties were reported.
He described the event’s peaceful conduct as a key measure of its success and stressed the need to maintain public safety at future political gatherings.
