The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned political actors he described as “emergency singers” of the slogan “on your mandate, we shall stand” to respect political agreements, saying sudden declarations of loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not deceive anyone.
Wike said genuine support is proven during difficult moments, not after victory has been secured, stressing that his political camp stood firmly with President Tinubu long before it became popular to do so.
“For us here, agreement is agreement. You can be signing ‘on your mandate, we shall stand’ in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is good, because we have been supporting the President since 2023, but your new sloganeering won’t help you,” he said.
The minister spoke on Sunday during his special Christmas visits to Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
Addressing the Ikwerre people, Wike recalled the political risk they took in backing Tinubu at a time when the outcome of the 2023 presidential election was uncertain, noting that their support played a significant role in the President’s victory in Rivers State.
“In 2023 when it was difficult, when people never knew that Mr President would emerge as President, all of us from Ikwerre stock knew politics is about risk. If you look at the votes that made him win in Rivers, the votes were particularly from Ikwerre,” he said.
Wike maintained that true loyalty is demonstrated when it matters most, not when the political environment has become favourable.
“When it mattered most, we stood on his mandate, not these people now coming to shout ‘on your mandate.’ When it was important, they couldn’t shout on your mandate,” he added.
He said his camp remains steadfast in its position, having taken a stand during challenging times. “You take stands when things are tough, not when food is ready. We took this position when things were tough, and we are still standing by it,” Wike said.
The FCT minister also reiterated his stance on power rotation, insisting that the South must be allowed to complete its constitutionally expected eight years in office, regardless of party affiliation.
“The South must complete their eight years, and completing the eight years, it doesn’t matter which party we belong to, give Mr President the support to succeed,” he said.
Looking ahead, Wike said discussions about the future would only take place after the South completes its tenure through President Tinubu. “In 2031, after the South must have completed its eight years under President Tinubu, we will know what’s next,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing political realignments and public declarations of loyalty as early preparations begin for future elections.
