The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing political loyalty and gratitude for his ministerial appointment.
Speaking during an interactive session on TVC on Sunday, Wike confirmed that his political allegiance remains firmly with Tinubu, who he credits for his political stability.
Wike emphasized the importance of reciprocal loyalty, arguing that Tinubu’s support for him is something he cannot overlook. “When someone helps you, it is only right to stand by them in return,” he stated.
Wike further explained that his political camp had initially expected Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prioritize their interests, but he claimed the governor had not met those expectations. “If someone remembers you when you need help, you should also remember them when the time comes. If the President had not given us this position, what would have happened to us?” Wike asked. He added that this is why he sees no reason to withdraw his loyalty from Tinubu in the next election.
The FCT minister also criticized the use of ethnic politics in Rivers State, specifically the narrative that promotes Governor Fubara as an Ijaw man. He argued that the Ijaw people have not seen substantial benefits from Fubara’s leadership, asserting that political choices should be based on performance rather than ethnicity. “Many politicians manipulate ethnic narratives for personal gain but fail to share the benefits with the people they claim to represent,” he said.
Wike called on political stakeholders to shift away from ethnic and sentimental politics and instead focus on long-term development and the welfare of the people. Notably, Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, had previously admitted to not supporting his party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 presidential election.
