At 58, Wike Says Backing Tinubu Since 2022 Comes With No Regrets, Shrugs Off Criticism
•By Admin
ABUJA – MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that he has no regrets openly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 2022, insisting that criticism and political backlash have never shaken his convictions.
Wike made the remarks at a special gathering held in the early hours of Friday at his Abuja residence to mark his 58th birthday anniversary, where political leaders and associates from across party lines converged to celebrate his leadership and political influence.
The former Rivers State Governor said his decision to support President Tinubu before, during and after the 2023 presidential election was rooted in character, integrity and his belief in equity and justice, stressing that he never hid his position.
“I have no regrets supporting President Tinubu. I did it openly and consistently, guided by my conviction that power should shift to the South,” Wike said.
He recalled that he was the only prominent figure from the main opposition party at the time who publicly backed Tinubu ahead of the election, describing the move as a principled stand rather than a political gamble.
Wike pointed to the 2023 election outcomes in Rivers State as evidence of his leadership strength, noting that while the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories in the governorship, National Assembly, State House of Assembly and local government elections under his watch.
According to him, the outcome demonstrated his capacity to manage political diversity while ensuring stability.
The birthday celebration drew an array of political heavyweights, including National Assembly lawmakers from Rivers State, serving and former legislators, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, local government chairmen, party leaders and longtime associates.
Speaker Amaewhule, who led 27 members of the Assembly to the event, described Wike as a dependable leader, pledging the Assembly’s unwavering loyalty.
“Wherever our leader goes, we will follow. Whoever he supports, we will also support,” Amaewhule said.
Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and Rivers State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, praised Wike as a consistent and compassionate leader whose style of governance has earned widespread loyalty.
Former PDP Chairman in Rivers State and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described Wike as the “naked wire of Rivers politics,” saying his political dexterity had vindicated President Tinubu’s decision to work with him.
“Wike’s achievements show that President Tinubu picked the right product from the PDP,” Akawor said.
Other dignitaries who spoke included Mohammed Abdulrahman, Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees; PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Dan Orbih; APC National Vice Chairman (South-South) Hon. Victor Giadom; former Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Senators Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, Barinada Mpigi, Prof. Sandy Onor, among others.
Responding, Wike thanked his political family and allies for their steadfast support, saying their loyalty had shaped his leadership journey.
He dismissed criticisms and personal attacks, describing them as motivation rather than distraction.
“Criticism and abuse are some of the things that keep me going. I have never been bothered by those who abuse me,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to working with his supporters in the interest of Rivers State and Nigeria, pledging continued collaboration for national development.
The event ended with special prayers for Wike and his family, marking another milestone in the political career of one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures.
•INDEPENDENTNG.