The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he has no regrets over his open support for President Bola Tinubu since 2022, insisting that his stance has remained unchanged before, during and after the 2023 presidential election.
Wike stated this at a special event organised to mark his 58th birthday anniversary, held in the early hours of Saturday at his residence in Abuja.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister said his political choices are guided by character and integrity, stressing that he never hid his support for Tinubu at any point.
He recalled that during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, he was the only prominent figure within the main opposition party who openly declared support for Tinubu. According to him, the decision was rooted in principles of equity, fairness and justice, as well as his belief that power should rotate to the South.
Wike further pointed to the outcome of the elections in Rivers State as evidence of his leadership capacity, noting that while the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential election in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories in the governorship, National Assembly, State House of Assembly and local government elections under his leadership.
The birthday celebration attracted political leaders from across party lines, who gathered to honour the former Rivers State Governor and acknowledge his political influence and achievements.
Among those present were serving and former National Assembly members from Rivers State, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, chairmen of local government areas, as well as close friends and political associates.
Several speakers praised Wike’s leadership qualities, describing him as an achiever and a strategic politician whose impact is felt nationwide. They urged him to remain steadfast and assured him of their continued loyalty and 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 political achievements justified President Tinubu’s decision to work with him.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, who led 27 lawmakers to the event, thanked Wike for being a dependable leader, assuring him of the unwavering support of the Assembly.
“Wherever our leader goes, we will follow him. Whoever he supports, we will also support,” Amaewhule said.
Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and Rivers State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Allwell Ihunda, speaking on behalf of local government chairmen, described Wike as a consistent, compassionate and people-oriented leader.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event 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. Okezie Ikpeazu; Senators Sandy Onor, Magnus Abe, George Sekibo and Bari Mpigi, among others.
Responding, Wike thanked his political family and associates for their steadfast support, acknowledging the role they have played in shaping his political journey.
He said he remains fulfilled working with his people and pledged to continue collaborating with them in the interest of Rivers State and the country at large.
The Minister also said criticism and attacks have never discouraged him, describing them as part of what motivates him to keep going.
The event concluded with special prayers offered for Wike and his family.
