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 stance remained unchanged before, during and after the 2023 presidential election.
Wike made the declaration at a special event organized to mark his 58th birthday, according to a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka. He said his political choices are guided by character and integrity, stressing that he never hid his support for President Tinubu from the beginning.
Recalling events ahead of the 2023 polls, Wike said he was the only prominent figure from the main opposition party who publicly backed Tinubu, a decision he explained was rooted in equity, fairness and justice, as well as his belief that political power should shift to the South.
The minister argued that his leadership capacity was evident in Rivers State during the elections, noting that while the All Progressives Congress won the presidential vote, the Peoples Democratic Party secured victories in the National Assembly, governorship, State House of Assembly and local government elections under his watch.
The birthday celebration, which took place in the early hours of Saturday at Wike’s residence in Abuja, attracted political leaders from across party lines who gathered to celebrate the former Rivers State governor’s achievements and political influence.
Among those present were serving and former National Assembly members from Rivers State, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, chairmen of local government councils, as well as close friends and political associates.
Several speakers described Wike as an achiever and astute politician whose impact is felt across the country, urging him to remain steadfast and assuring him of their continued support.
Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former PDP chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described Wike as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics, saying his achievements showed that President Tinubu selected the right figure from the PDP to work with.
Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, who led 27 lawmakers to the event, thanked the minister for providing dependable leadership, pledging the Assembly’s continued loyalty and support.
Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and Rivers State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Allwell Ihunda, described Wike as a consistent and compassionate leader while speaking on behalf of council chairmen.
Other dignitaries at the event included the 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, Victor Giadom; former Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; and several current and former senators.
Responding, Wike thanked his political family and associates for their steadfast support, acknowledging their role in shaping his leadership journey. He said he remained fulfilled working with his people and pledged to continue collaborating with them in the interest of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The minister added that criticism and verbal attacks have never deterred him, describing them as part of what keeps him motivated. The event ended with special prayers for Wike and his family.
