The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described himself as the most abused politician in Nigeria after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while declaring that political activities in Rivers State will formally begin in January 2026. Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a special thanksgiving service organised by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, and his family at Ochiba community, his hometown in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking before a gathering of community leaders, political allies, clergy, and residents, Wike used the occasion to reflect on his political journey, express gratitude to his supporters, and reaffirm his unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu. He said the thanksgiving service was deliberately held in Ahoada East as a mark of appreciation to the people for standing with him through years of political turbulence and personal attacks.
“This is the first local government we are coming to say thank you for being there for us all through these years,” Wike said. “Like the pastor said today, God detests those who are ungrateful. For what you’ve done for us, for standing with us, we say thank you. Thank you, and thank you.”
The former Rivers State governor lamented the level of criticism and abuse he has endured in the course of his political career, describing himself as second only to President Tinubu in terms of public attacks. According to him, standing by one’s convictions in Nigerian politics often comes at a heavy personal cost, but he insisted that he has remained resolute.
“I can tell you today, honestly, that after Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am the most abused politician in this country,” Wike said. “But abuse will not kill anybody. What matters is that you stand by what you believe in and defend it to the end.”
Wike recalled the tense political atmosphere during the 2023 general elections, noting that the period was marked by uncertainty and widespread scepticism about Tinubu’s chances of emerging victorious. He praised the people of Rivers State, particularly leaders and grassroots supporters in Ahoada East and West, for taking a bold stand at a time when many others were reluctant.
“You remember in 2023, when it was tough and nobody knew what would happen in that election,” he said. “Some people were saying it would be difficult for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win. Many people could not come out openly to vote for him.”
According to Wike, despite the prevailing doubts and pressures, local leaders and stakeholders in his constituency met and agreed that politics required courage and decisive action. He said they resolved to stand firmly by Tinubu’s candidacy, irrespective of the risks involved.
“But we all met, as leaders here, and said that in politics, we must take a stand and defend it,” Wike explained. “We said we must take a decision, whether people think it is good or bad. We knew that at the end of the day, it would be good, and we did it.”
He recalled how his supporters publicly declared their loyalty with the slogan “on your mandate we stand” at a time when such open endorsement was unpopular in some quarters. Wike said their resolve paid off when Tinubu eventually won the presidential election and was sworn in as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“When it was tough, people stood up and said, ‘on your mandate we stand,’ and we stood firm,” he said. “To the glory of God, today he is the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.”
The FCT minister credited the people of Rivers State for helping to strengthen Tinubu’s mandate in the state, arguing that their early support gave the president a solid political footing in the South South.
“So you are the ones who made the mandate strong as far as Rivers State is concerned,” Wike told the crowd.
In a veiled reference to recent political realignments in the state, including the defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, Wike suggested that some of those now proclaiming loyalty to Tinubu were latecomers.
“So all these people you are now seeing singing ‘on your mandate we stand,’ at that time when they were needed most, they could not sing it,” he said. “They could not come out to say, vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Wike also used the occasion to address questions about his political consistency, stressing that he does not renege on agreements or abandon commitments once they are made. He described loyalty as a core principle guiding both his personal and political life.
“I don’t run away from agreements,” he said. “Once I give my word, I stand by it. That is why I have continued to support Mr President without looking back.”
Looking ahead, the former Rivers governor announced that political activities in the state would officially commence in January 2026. Although he did not provide details, the declaration is expected to heighten political anticipation and alignments ahead of future elections in the state.
Observers at the event interpreted the statement as a signal that Wike and his political structure remain active and influential in Rivers politics, despite ongoing tensions and shifting alliances.
Wike concluded by thanking the people of Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas for their loyalty and resilience over the years. He said their support had been instrumental to his political survival and success, both as governor and now as a key figure in the Tinubu administration.
The thanksgiving service, which featured prayers, hymns, and messages of goodwill, provided a platform for Wike to reconnect with his grassroots base while reinforcing his political narrative of loyalty, sacrifice, and perseverance. As Rivers State gradually inches toward another political cycle, his remarks are likely to reverberate across the state’s political landscape, shaping conversations and strategies in the months ahead.
