The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asserted that he played a decisive role in securing President Bola Tinubu’s victory in Rivers State during the 2023 presidential election, insisting that no rival political group can lay claim to that achievement.
Speaking in the Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike took aim at supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who have recently declared allegiance to President Tinubu. He expressed anger over what he described as political inconsistency, noting that the same individuals failed to deliver even 10 per cent of the votes for Atiku in Rivers State during the 2023 election but now seek to position themselves as leaders of Tinubu’s political structure in the state.
According to Wike, such claims are unacceptable. He warned that no individual or group would be allowed to sideline him or his allies in Rivers State politics, stressing that those who fought for Tinubu’s success would not be displaced by latecomers.
“In 2023, we led the battle that delivered President Tinubu in Rivers State,” Wike said. “Those who supported Atiku and could not even give him 10 per cent of the vote are now saying they want to lead President Tinubu’s campaign here. Is that possible? Nobody can push us out of this state. We fought the war, and we are not bothered by insults or attacks.”
Beyond electoral politics, the former Rivers State governor also reflected on the nature of leadership and power, cautioning against the belief that authority is permanent. He made these remarks during a thank-you visit to Port Harcourt Local Government Area, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups.
Wike has been touring all 23 local government areas of Rivers State to express gratitude to residents for their support in the 2023 elections while also mobilising grassroots backing for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general polls.
In his address, Wike emphasised that leadership is temporary and that everyone will eventually have their turn to serve. He urged political actors to remain humble and mindful of the changing nature of power.
“Today, I may be a leader; tomorrow, it will be someone else’s turn,” he said. “No one can remain a leader forever. God has never permitted that. So yes, today people may say Wike is their leader, but that can never be forever.”
He further explained his earlier comments about succession, clarifying that leadership transitions should not be feared but accepted as a natural process. According to him, each individual has a defined time to serve, and that opportunity should be used responsibly and in line with the will of God.
“Man comes, man goes,” Wike said. “What that means is simple: everyone has their own time. When your time comes, you must do your best to satisfy the people and fulfil God’s purpose.”
The FCT minister added that recognising the temporary nature of power would promote tolerance, respect, and cooperation among political leaders. He described a good leader as one who listens to advice and responds to the needs of the people, while warning that refusal to change in the face of counsel is a mark of poor leadership.
Wike also claimed that Rivers State stands out politically because of its ability to unite leaders from the country’s two major political parties to work together. He argued that this unusual collaboration was a key factor in President Tinubu’s emergence as president.
His comments come at a time of rising political tension in Rivers State, where the State House of Assembly is pursuing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The lawmakers have accused the governor of failing to present the 2026 budget and alleged financial mismanagement.
A majority of the Assembly members are believed to be loyal to Wike, who has repeatedly criticised Governor Fubara for allegedly reneging on a peace agreement reached before President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule earlier imposed on the state. The unfolding situation continues to deepen political divisions in Rivers State, with Wike remaining a central and influential figure in the ongoing power struggle.
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