Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms of his political alignment, urging detractors not to begrudge him for choosing politics as a vocation and insisting that governance is ultimately driven by interests, power and the will of the electorate.
Wike spoke at the grand finale of his “thank you” tour to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where a large crowd of supporters gathered to receive him.
Addressing the audience, the former Rivers State governor said his visit was informed by a sense of gratitude to the people for their steadfast support over the years, describing appreciation as a defining element of leadership.
“When people do good to you, you must acknowledge it. Gratitude matters, and that is why I came back to say thank you,” he said.
Wike rejected claims that he was a traitor or impostor, stressing that his political decisions were deliberate and guided by a clear understanding of leadership and loyalty.
“I never said I wanted to be anything else. I chose politics, and politics requires clarity, not emotion,” he said.
He maintained that politics should not be driven by sentiment, but by the collective interests of the people, noting that electoral strength remains the foundation of political power.
“Politics is about interest — the interest of your people. Power is not automatic, and it is not for everyone. Our real power lies in the vote,” he said, adding that no government can endure without the support of the electorate.
Earlier, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, said Wike remained firmly rooted in his home base, describing Obio/Akpor as his strongest political constituency.
Chinda disclosed that Obio/Akpor accounts for over 684,000 of Rivers State’s more than 3.5 million registered voters, stressing that Wike’s political influence in the state remains solid.
He recalled that Wike had mobilised support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, adding that the outcome had validated the decision.
According to him, the people of Obio/Akpor were ready to intensify their support for Tinubu in 2027.
Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, assured Wike of the legislature’s continued backing, pledging sustained support for the President’s second-term bid.
The rally, attended by lawmakers, political leaders and supporters from across Rivers State, marked the conclusion of Wike’s statewide appreciation tour and underscored his enduring influence within the state’s political structure ahead of the 2027 general election.
