Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has solidified his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, citing a foundation of political loyalty and profound gratitude for his ministerial appointment.
During a recent interactive session on TVC, Wike articulated his steadfast allegiance to Tinubu, acknowledging the President’s pivotal role in ensuring his political stability. He emphasised the principle of reciprocal loyalty, asserting that Tinubu’s support warrants unwavering reciprocation.
“When someone helps you, it is only right to stand by them in return,” Wike stated, underscoring the personal debt of gratitude he feels towards the President.
He further elaborated on the political dynamics within Rivers State, revealing that his camp had initially anticipated Governor Siminalayi Fubara would prioritize their interests. However, Wike contends that Fubara has fallen short of these 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?” he questioned, highlighting the significance of Tinubu’s intervention.
Consequently, Wike maintains he sees no compelling reason to deviate from his support for Tinubu in the upcoming election.
In a departure from conventional political discourse, Wike also critiqued the prevalence of ethnic politics in Rivers State, particularly the narrative surrounding Governor Fubara’s Ijaw identity. He argued that the Ijaw community has not witnessed tangible benefits from Fubara’s leadership, advocating for a shift towards performance-based political evaluations. “Many politicians manipulate ethnic narratives for personal gain but fail to share the benefits with the people they claim to represent,” he observed.
Wike urged political stakeholders to transcend ethnic and sentimental considerations, emphasizing the importance of prioritising long-term development and tangible benefits for the populace.
