The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he is the most abused politician in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu. Wike made the statement on Saturday during a meeting with leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The meeting took place in Ochigba community and was attended by PDP stakeholders from the area. It was part of activities linked to an end-of-the-year thanksgiving service organised by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, who hails from Ochigba.
Speaking to party members and supporters, Wike said the constant criticism and attacks against him were not surprising. According to him, many people abuse him because he believes strongly in keeping agreements and ensuring that those who support him are not left behind.
“After Tinubu, the next most abused politician today is me,” Wike said. “Why are they abusing me? Because they know that agreement is agreement. When we have agreed on something, let us implement it. If we cannot implement it, then do not even come for it.”
Wike also restated his political position concerning President Tinubu, saying that he and his political allies had earlier agreed to support Tinubu and would continue to stand by that decision. “Long before now, we agreed that we must continue to support Tinubu. That is the position you took, and that is the position we are still going to take,” he added.
Wike’s comments come against the background of ongoing political tension within the PDP, especially in Rivers State and at the national level. Although Wike is a senior member of the PDP and a former governor of Rivers State, his support for President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to attract criticism from many party members.
During the 2023 general elections, Wike was one of the leading figures in the G-5 group of PDP governors. The group openly opposed the PDP presidential candidate at the time, Atiku Abubakar, over issues of zoning and internal party agreements. The G-5 governors later supported Tinubu, who went on to win the presidential election.
After Tinubu’s victory, Wike was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, a move that further deepened divisions within the PDP. Many party loyalists accused him of betraying the party, while his supporters argued that he acted based on principles and fairness.
Wike, however, has repeatedly said that his actions were guided by justice, equity, and respect for agreements. He has maintained that politics should be based on trust and that leaders must honour promises made to their supporters.
At the meeting in Ochigba, Wike urged PDP members in Ahoada East to remain united and focused. He thanked them for their support over the years and assured them that he would not abandon those who stood by him during difficult times.
The former Rivers governor is known for his strong political influence in the state. During his eight years in office as governor, Wike played a major role in shaping the political structure of Rivers State. He was also a key financier and mobiliser for the PDP at the national level.
Chibudom Nwuche, who hosted the thanksgiving service, praised Wike for his leadership style and described him as a man who keeps his word. Nwuche said the meeting was an opportunity for party members to reflect on the year, thank God, and discuss the way forward politically.
Despite the criticism, Wike has continued to defend his role in the Tinubu administration, saying his appointment as FCT minister is an opportunity to serve Nigerians and contribute to national development. He has also dismissed calls for his expulsion from the PDP, insisting that party discipline should be based on fairness.