The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday declared that no political group could dislodge his political camp in Rivers State.
Wike boasted that his loyalists had remained resolute despite threats and attacks since the 2023 general elections.
The minister made the assertion during a visit to the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area secretariat, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women and youth groups from the council.
“Nobody in this state can push us out. We have led this war since 2023 and we have never reneged,” the minister said.
“There was no amount of threats that did not come, yet we stood firm.”
The former Rivers State governor has been touring the state’s 23 local government areas to express appreciation to supporters for their role in the 2023 elections and to rally continued backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Wike said his political camp had paid the price for its early and unwavering support for Tinubu and the Renewed Hope agenda, describing Rivers State as a dependable base for the President.
“If there is one state the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State,” he said.
He accused some politicians of attempting to hijack the Renewed Hope agenda after failing to support Tinubu during the election, warning that such efforts would fail.
“In 2023, we led the war here. We were the Renewed Hope agenda people from the beginning,” Wike said. “Those who went elsewhere and supported Abubakar, and could not even give him 10 per cent, now want to lead the Renewed Hope agenda. Is it possible? You failed.”
Using a metaphor, the minister likened such politicians to people who appear only after a meal has been prepared.
“You did not buy the pepper, you did not buy the salt, you did not buy the oil. Suddenly the food is ready and you want to eat first. Is that possible?” he asked.
Wike described Port Harcourt as a cosmopolitan city where winning elections is particularly challenging, making any electoral success there significant.
He also claimed Rivers State was unique for its ability to unite leaders of the two major political parties to work together, a strategy he said contributed to Tinubu’s victory.
“This is the only state where you can see the leadership of two major political parties working as a team,” he said. “Out of the 36 states and the FCT, name one that can do that. That is what produced Mr President.”
He urged other states to emulate Rivers rather than resent it, while calling on political leaders within the state to maintain unity and humility.
“Leadership is not a birthright,” Wike said. “A bad leader is one who refuses to change when advised. A good leader listens to the people.”
He concluded by commending the leadership of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area for their cooperation and urged them to sustain the unity to deliver more development.
