Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has again declared his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he and his allies stood by him when it was risky to do so and will not back down now.
Wike said supporting Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State was neither popular nor safe for many politicians, but his camp chose to take a clear and firm position.
“We supported him when it was difficult, and we will keep supporting him now that it is easy,” Wike said.
The minister spoke on Saturday in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, during a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders. The gathering followed an end-of-the-year thanksgiving service organised by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, in his hometown.
Wike urged his supporters not to be intimidated or discouraged, assuring them that their loyalty would not be in vain. He noted that those who genuinely supported Tinubu before the election are well known, unlike individuals who only became vocal after his victory.
“Back in 2023, nobody knew how the election would go. Many people were afraid to come out openly to support Tinubu,” he said. “But we agreed that in politics, you must take a stand, whether people like it or not.”
According to Wike, the decision to support Tinubu paid off and contributed significantly to the president’s performance in Rivers State.
“Those who are shouting ‘on your mandate we shall stand’ today were silent when it mattered most,” he said. “If we did not speak up then, would they be shouting now?”
The FCT minister stressed his belief in honouring political agreements, insisting that commitments must be respected.
“Agreement is agreement,” Wike said. “If you know you can’t do something, don’t promise it. When we agree on something, we must carry it out.”
He added that full political activities would resume next year and made it clear that his position would remain unchanged.
“We have decided to continue supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said. “That is the stand we took, and that is the stand we will maintain. I came to reassure you that there is no problem.”
