Yemi Obafemi
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised politicians who opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 general election but are now seeking alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying they lack the moral standing to do so.
“In 2023, we led the war here. We were the Renewed Hope Agenda people from the beginning,” Wike said. “Those who were not there then, who supported Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, now want to come and lead the Renewed Hope Agenda. Is it possible?”
The minister spoke on Saturday during a “thank you” visit to the Port Harcourt Local Government Area in Rivers State, where he urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Wike said political loyalty must precede endorsement, stressing that he would not campaign for individuals who failed to support his political camp during the last election.
“We are not an ungrateful people; that is why we are here. If you haven’t supported us since 2023, I will not come and tell you to vote for us in 2027,” he said.
He described Rivers State as politically unique, noting that it was the only state where leaders of Nigeria’s two major political parties worked together, a situation he said had attracted envy from other states.
“It doesn’t matter which state you come from. Rivers is the only state where you can see the two major political parties together,” Wike said, adding that such unity would not deter his camp from pursuing its political goals.
Challenging other states to emulate Rivers, the former governor said, “Out of the 36 states and the FCT, mention one state that can assemble the leadership of party A and party B to produce Mr President today.”
He maintained that his political camp remained firmly in control in Rivers State despite opposition and threats.
“Nobody in this state can push us out. We have led this war from 2023 and never reneged,” Wike said.
