The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has said he has no regrets about openly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 2022, describing his decision as one guided by character, integrity and a commitment to equity and justice.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a special event organised to mark his 58th birthday anniversary at his residence in Abuja. The celebration attracted political leaders and associates from across party lines, reflecting the former Rivers State governor’s broad political influence.
The FCT minister said his stance in support of Tinubu remained consistent before, during and after the 2023 presidential election, stressing that he never concealed his position at any point.
“I have no regrets whatsoever. My position was clear from the beginning and has not changed,” Wike said, adding that his political decisions had always been driven by principles rather than personal gain.
Recalling the build-up to the 2023 general election, Wike noted that he was the only prominent figure within the main opposition party who openly declared support for Tinubu, then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, the decision was rooted in his belief in fairness and justice, particularly the need for power to rotate to the South after years of northern leadership.
READ ALSO: Wike declares loyalty to who stands with Tinubu
“My leadership capacity was demonstrated in Rivers State during the elections, where the APC won the presidential poll,” he said. “At the same time, the Peoples Democratic Party won the National Assembly, governorship, State House of Assembly and local government elections under my watch.”
Wike expressed gratitude to his political family and close associates for their unwavering support over the years, noting that their loyalty had played a significant role in shaping his political journey. He said he remained fulfilled working with his supporters and pledged to continue collaborating with them in the interest of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
The minister also said criticisms and abuses directed at him did not bother him, describing them as part of the realities that motivated him to remain steadfast.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the event drew leaders from different political divides who gathered to celebrate Wike’s achievements and political impact. Among those present were serving and former members of the National Assembly from Rivers State, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Mr Martins Amaewhule, local government chairmen, and long-time political associates.
Several dignitaries took turns to praise Wike, describing him as an achiever and an astute politician whose influence extends beyond Rivers State. Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Rivers Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former PDP chairman, described Wike as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics, adding that his appointment as FCT minister showed President Tinubu made the right choice.
Speaker Amaewhule pledged the continued loyalty of Rivers lawmakers to Wike, while other speakers, including local government leaders and former governors, extolled his consistency, compassion and leadership qualities.
The event ended with special prayers offered for the minister and his family.