The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he has no regrets backing President Bola Tinubu, maintaining that his support for the President has remained unwavering before, during, and after the 2023 general election.
Wike stated this during a special event held to celebrate his 58th birthday at his residence in Abuja on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister said his political choices have always been rooted in “character and integrity.”
Reflecting on his decision to support Tinubu, Wike said he stood out as the only leading member of the opposition who publicly endorsed the President’s candidacy in the lead-up to the 2023 election.
He explained that his stance was guided by the principle of equity and the need for power rotation to the South.
“I never hid my support for President Tinubu. My position was based on equity, fairness, and justice. I believed power should shift to the South, and I stood by that,” Wike stated.
The Minister further pointed to his political influence during the 2023 elections in Rivers State, saying his leadership delivered the presidential election to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won other positions including the National Assembly, governorship, and local elections.
The birthday celebration drew prominent political figures across party lines. In attendance were National Assembly members from Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, local government chairmen, and several past and present political associates.
They took turns to commend the Minister’s contributions to politics and governance.
Former PDP chairman and Rivers Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described Wike as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics.
“President Tinubu picked the right product from the PDP,” Akawor noted, referencing Wike’s political clout.
Speaker Amaewhule, who led 27 lawmakers to the event, praised Wike’s leadership.
“Wherever our leader (Wike) goes, we will follow him; whoever he is supporting, we will also support,” he said.
Responding to the tributes, Wike expressed appreciation to his political allies and supporters for standing by him.
He reiterated his commitment to working closely with his people in Rivers and at the national level.
“Criticism and abuses keep me going. I have never been bothered by them,” he said.
The event concluded with special prayers for the Minister and his family.
Notable guests at the event included PDP National Caretaker Committee Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, PDP BOT Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, South-South Vice Chairman Chief Dan Orbih, APC chieftain Hon Victor Giadom, former Abia Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Sandy Onor, Senator Magnus Abe, Senator George Sekibo, and Senator Bari Mpigi, among others.
