The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he has no regrets or apologies for backing him during the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking on Thursday at a thanksgiving service organized by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike boldly defended his decision to endorse Tinubu, despite being a PDP chieftain at the time.
In the run-up to the 2023 elections, Wike, who was then serving as the Governor of Rivers State, broke ranks with his party by actively campaigning for Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, over Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential flagbearer. The decision was pivotal in Tinubu’s eventual victory, as he secured 231,591 votes in Rivers State compared to Atiku’s 88,468 votes.
During the thanksgiving service, Wike doubled down on his stance, stating that he would repeat his actions if given the chance. “I have no regrets. I have no apologies. If the opportunity comes, I will do the same thing,” Wike declared.
Wike’s pivotal role in Tinubu’s electoral success did not go unacknowledged. On May 3, 2023, just days before his inauguration, Tinubu publicly credited Wike’s support as critical to his victory. “I couldn’t have done it without some structural support you gave me which I can’t describe or repay,” Tinubu had said.
The political alliance between the two leaders has since grown stronger, culminating in Tinubu appointing Wike as the Minister of the FCT—a decision that has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians.
During a recent media interaction, Tinubu praised Wike’s performance as FCT minister, lauding his development efforts in Abuja despite the controversies surrounding some of his decisions, particularly demolitions in the capital city. “He is a good man. Nyesom Wike is a performing minister. Nigerians lack compliance, period,” Tinubu remarked.
Wike’s unwavering loyalty to Tinubu has further deepened the cracks within the PDP, with some party members criticizing his alignment with the APC-led administration. However, Wike remains unperturbed, maintaining that his actions were in the best interest of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Wike’s bold declarations and steadfast allegiance to Tinubu are expected to keep sparking debates within Nigeria’s political circles. Whether this alliance will shape the country’s future politics remains to be seen.
By Saifullahi Muhammad
