The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he has no regrets supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that his decision was based on fairness, justice, and the need for power to return to the South.
Wike made this statement on Saturday during a special event held to mark his 58th birthday at his residence in Abuja. The event brought together political leaders from different parties, highlighting Wike’s influence across party lines and his continued relevance in national politics.
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the former Rivers State governor said his support for President Tinubu did not change before, during, or after the 2023 general election.
He said his political decisions have always been guided by character and integrity, not personal gain or public pressure.
“I have no regrets supporting President Tinubu. I never hid my support for him. My position was based on equity, fairness, and justice,” Wike said.
The Minister recalled that during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, he was the only top member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who openly backed Tinubu, who was then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the time, Wike’s decision caused deep divisions within the PDP, especially as he was still serving as governor of Rivers State and was a major force in the party. His support for Tinubu was seen as unusual, given the fierce rivalry between the PDP and APC.
Wike explained that his position was driven by the principle of power rotation between the North and the South, which he said is necessary to promote unity and fairness in the country.
“I believed power should shift to the South, and I stood by that belief,” he said.
Nigeria’s informal power rotation arrangement has often guided political decisions since the return to democracy in 1999. After eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari from the North, many political leaders argued that it was only fair for power to return to the South in 2023.
Wike said his support for Tinubu was in line with this thinking and was not influenced by party loyalty alone.
The FCT Minister also spoke about his role in the outcome of the 2023 elections in Rivers State. He said his leadership helped deliver the presidential election in the state to the APC, even as the PDP won other major contests.
According to him, while Tinubu won the presidential vote in Rivers State, the PDP emerged victorious in the National Assembly elections, the governorship race, and other local elections.
This outcome, he said, showed his political strength and ability to influence voters beyond party lines.
The birthday celebration attracted many political heavyweights from across the country. In attendance were members of the National Assembly from Rivers State, lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and several past and present political associates of the Minister.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, led 27 lawmakers to the event, a show of loyalty that reflected the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and the split between Wike and the current state government.
Several speakers took turns to praise Wike for his contributions to politics, governance, and leadership.
Former PDP chairman and Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described Wike as a strong and fearless political figure in the state.
He referred to Wike as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics, a term often used to describe someone with great influence and authority.
“President Tinubu picked the right product from the PDP,” Akawor said, pointing to Wike’s political experience and grassroots support.
Speaker Amaewhule also praised the Minister, saying Wike’s supporters remain loyal to him regardless of political changes.
“Wherever our leader Wike goes, we will follow him. Whoever he is supporting, we will also support,” Amaewhule said.
His comments underline the strong political base Wike still enjoys in Rivers State, even after leaving office as governor and taking up a ministerial role in the Tinubu administration.
Responding to the praises and tributes, Wike thanked his supporters and political allies for standing by him over the years.
He said he remains focused on his duties as FCT Minister and on working with his people in Rivers State and across the country.
Wike also spoke about criticism and attacks he has faced since aligning with Tinubu and the APC-led federal government.
“Criticism and abuses keep me going. I have never been bothered by them,” he said.
Wike’s appointment as FCT Minister by President Tinubu was one of the most talked-about political decisions after the inauguration of the new government in May 2023. It marked a rare case of a prominent opposition figure being given a key position in an APC-led administration.
Since assuming office, Wike has been vocal in defending the policies of the Tinubu government, especially in the FCT, where he has focused on infrastructure, land administration, and enforcement of development rules.
His role in national politics continues to attract attention, particularly as tensions remain high within the PDP and Rivers State politics.
The event ended with special prayers for the Minister and his family, asking for good health, wisdom, and continued success.
Among the notable guests at the birthday celebration were PDP National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman; PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; South-South Vice Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih; APC chieftain, Hon Victor Giadom; former Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; Senator Sandy Onor; Senator Magnus Abe; Senator George Sekibo; and Senator Bari Mpigi.
Their presence further showed Wike’s wide network of political allies across party lines and regions.
