The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he has no regrets openly supporting President Bola Tinubu since 2022, insisting that his political stance has remained consistent before, during and after the 2023 presidential election.
Wike spoke at a special event organised to mark his 58th birthday in Abuja, where he said his political decisions were guided by character, integrity and fairness, stressing that he never hid his support for Tinubu at any point. According to him, his decision to back Tinubu while still a leading figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party was rooted in his belief in equity and justice, particularly the need for power to shift to the South.
He recalled that he was the only prominent opposition leader who openly declared support for Tinubu ahead of the election, adding that events during the polls vindicated his position. Wike pointed to the outcome of the elections in Rivers State, where the All Progressives Congress won the presidential election while the PDP secured victories in the governorship, National Assembly, State House of Assembly and local government polls under his leadership.
The birthday gathering, held in the early hours of Saturday at his Abuja residence, attracted political leaders from across party lines, including National Assembly members from Rivers State, serving and former lawmakers, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and longtime political associates.
Several speakers praised Wike’s political influence and leadership style, describing him as an achiever whose impact is felt beyond Rivers State. Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described the minister as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics, saying President Tinubu made the right choice by working with him.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, who led 27 lawmakers to the event, thanked Wike for his leadership and pledged the continued loyalty of the Assembly members, declaring that they would support whoever Wike supports politically.
In his response, Wike thanked his supporters for standing firmly with him over the years, saying their support had played a major role in shaping his political journey. He added that criticism and abuse only motivate him, noting that he has never been bothered by attacks from critics. The event ended with prayers for the minister and his family.
