The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he played a leading role in securing President Bola Tinubu’s victory in Rivers State during the 2023 presidential election.
Wike made the assertion while addressing supporters in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he took aim at backers of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who are now openly supporting President Tinubu.
The former Rivers State governor expressed anger that the same group failed to secure even 10 per cent of the votes for Atiku in the 2023 election but are now positioning themselves as leaders of Tinubu’s political structure in the state.
According to Wike, no one would be allowed to hijack the President’s political movement in Rivers State, stressing that those who fought for Tinubu’s victory would not be sidelined.
“In 2023, we led the war to deliver President Tinubu in Rivers State. Those who supported Atiku and could not give him 10 per cent are now claiming they want to lead Tinubu’s campaign in Rivers State,” Wike said.
“Is that possible? Nobody can push us out of this state. We led the war, so don’t be bothered about the abuses.”
Meanwhile, Wike has also warned that political power is not permanent, insisting that leadership is temporary and everyone will have their own turn to serve.
He made the remarks during a thank-you visit to Port Harcourt Local Government Area, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths.
Wike, who has been touring the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, said the visits were meant to appreciate residents for their support during the 2023 elections and to mobilise backing for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reflecting on leadership, the FCT minister cautioned against the belief that power lasts forever.
“Today I am a leader; tomorrow it will be your turn. No one can be a leader forever. God has never allowed that,” he said.
“People say Wike is our leader — yes, for now, but it can never be forever.”
He further explained that his often-repeated phrase, “man comes, man goes,” simply means that everyone has a time to lead.
“Everybody has their own turn. When your time comes, do your best to the satisfaction of the people and according to the will of God,” Wike stated.
The minister added that understanding the temporary nature of leadership would promote tolerance and mutual respect among political actors.
“A bad leader is one who is advised and refuses to change, while a good leader listens to his people,” he said.
Wike also claimed that Rivers State has a unique political structure where leaders from the two major political parties can work together, a development he said contributed significantly to Tinubu’s emergence as president.
His comments come amid rising political tension in Rivers State, as the State House of Assembly continues impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara over alleged failure to present the 2026 budget and accusations of financial mismanagement.
Most members of the Assembly are believed to be loyal to Wike, who has repeatedly criticised Governor Fubara, accusing him of abandoning a peace agreement reached before President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule earlier imposed on the state.