Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said politicians who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State cannot lay claim to leadership of political structures and initiatives he helped establish.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a “Thank You” visit to Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA), where he also urged supporters to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
Criticizing the influx of former political rivals into the APC, the former Rivers State governor said their late entry into the party does not confer authority or leadership. Using a metaphor, Wike said those who were absent at the formative stage of the struggle could not suddenly assume control.
“You failed. You were not there from the beginning. You didn’t go to buy the pepper, salt, and oil. Suddenly, the food is done and you jump in and want to lead. Is that possible?” he asked.
Wike recalled his early support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition, describing the decision to back him ahead of the 2023 election as deliberate and strategic.
“In 2023, we led the war here. We were the Renewed Hope Agenda people. From the beginning, we were members of the Renewed Hope family, and that was why we decided to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
The minister also drew on his political experience dating back to 1999, citing a court ruling which, according to him, underscored the importance of participation from the outset of any political process.
“How can a man who did not read Primary One to Five jump to Primary Six? Since you came through the window, you must go out through the window,” Wike added.
He maintained that the recent defections into the APC could not diminish his political influence in Rivers State, insisting that his camp had remained steadfast since the 2023 election cycle despite pressure and threats.
“Nobody in this state can push us out. We have led this war from 2023 and never reneged, despite the threats,” he said.
Wike’s comments come amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, following the defection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC and the state House of Assembly’s initiation of impeachment proceedings against him over alleged delays in presenting the 2026 budget.
The FCT minister has openly opposed Fubara’s re-election bid and accused the governor of failing to adhere to a peace agreement reached before the lifting of emergency rule in the state.
