The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he has no regrets about openly supporting President Bola Tinubu since 2022, insisting that his stance remained unchanged before, during, and after the 2023 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister spoke at a special event marking his 58th birthday, where he said his political choices are driven by character and integrity, stressing that he never hid his support for President Tinubu from the beginning.
Wike recalled that in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, he was the only prominent figure from the main opposition party who publicly endorsed President Tinubu, a decision he said was anchored on equity, fairness, justice, and his belief that power should rotate to the South.
He further stated that his leadership strength was evident in Rivers State during the elections, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential poll, while the PDP recorded victories in the National Assembly, governorship, State House of Assembly, and local government elections under his leadership.
The birthday event, held in the early hours of Saturday at Wike’s Abuja residence, attracted political leaders from different divides who gathered to celebrate the achievements and political influence of the former Rivers State governor and current FCT minister.
Those present included National Assembly lawmakers from Rivers State, both serving and former, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, local government chairmen, as well as friends and political allies.
Several speakers praised the minister, describing him as an achiever and a shrewd politician whose impact is felt nationwide, encouraging him to remain steadfast while assuring him of their continued support.
The Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described the FCT minister as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics.
Akawor, a former Director-General of Wike’s 2015 governorship campaign, said the minister’s accomplishments showed that President Bola Tinubu selected the right individual from the PDP to work with.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, who led 27 lawmakers to Wike’s residence, thanked the minister for being a dependable leader, assuring him of the Assembly’s unwavering loyalty.
“Wherever our leader (Wike) goes, we will follow him; whoever he is supporting, we will also support,” Amaewhule said.
Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and Rivers State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Allwell Ihunda, speaking on behalf of council chairmen, commended Wike as a consistent and compassionate leader.
Other speakers included Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman; PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; PDP National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih; his APC counterpart, Hon. Victor Giadom; former Abia State Governor, Dr Okieze Ikpeazu; Senator (Prof) Sandy Onor; Senator Magnus Abe; Senator George Sekibo; Senator Bari Mpigi, among others.
Responding, the minister expressed gratitude to his political family and associates for their steadfast support, acknowledging their role in shaping his leadership journey.
He said he remains fulfilled working with his people and pledged to continue collaborating with them in the interest of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Wike added that criticism and verbal attacks motivate him, noting that he has never been troubled by those who criticise or abuse him.
The event concluded with special prayers for the minister and his family.