Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that his continued support for President Bola Tinubu is driven by personal benefits. Wike emphasized that his backing of the President predates his appointment as FCT minister. He made these remarks during a TVC Journalists' Hangout on Monday, responding to criticism that he significantly benefited from Tinubu's administration compared to other former PDP governors who worked against the party's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in 2023.
Wike explained that his support for Tinubu was based on a political decision taken by the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G5 governors ahead of the 2023 presidential election. This decision, he stressed, was not a bargain for government positions. He also defended the controversial Rainbow Coalition, stating its objective was to mobilize support for Tinubu's re-election in 2027 across party lines, not to restructure the ruling APC or weaken it.
The minister addressed allegations that he was the only one among the five former PDP governors who significantly benefited from Tinubu's administration. Wike cited consultations with the PDP leadership in Rivers State and at the national level before accepting Tinubu's offer to join the Federal Executive Council. According to him, party leaders unanimously supported his decision, believing his participation could make a difference. He also noted that other G5 members maintained relationships with the Tinubu administration.
Wike sought to distinguish between supporting Tinubu and belonging to the APC, emphasizing that his political activities should not be interpreted as an attempt to join or restructure the ruling party. He described the Rainbow Coalition as a platform to bring together APC members and like-minded individuals from other parties who support the President's re-election. This clarification comes amid a disagreement between Wike and the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) over the coalition.
The FCT minister dismissed claims by supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that either candidate won Rivers State in the 2023 presidential election. Wike argued that such claims cannot be established by citing results from selected polling units or social media declarations. He emphasized the importance of considering the total number of polling units across the state and official results declared by electoral authorities.
Wike criticized the practice of highlighting results from individual polling units to claim victory for Obi, stressing that he is interested in practical, ground-level results. He challenged those claiming Obi won Rivers State to produce complete results supporting the claim. The minister also referenced legal challenges following the 2023 presidential election, questioning whether those who claimed victory could establish their claims in court.
Finally, Wike dismissed speculation about positioning himself for the 2031 presidential election, calling such calculations premature. He emphasized that remaining alive and politically active in the future depends on God's will. Wike recalled his participation in the 2022 PDP presidential primary and noted that the question of who would succeed Tinubu in 2031 would become relevant at the appropriate time, involving the President's own political interest.
Key points
- Wike's support for Tinubu predates his appointment as FCT minister.
- The Rainbow Coalition aims to mobilize support for Tinubu's re-election across party lines.
- Wike dismisses claims of personal benefits driving his support for Tinubu.
