Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he spearheaded the political effort that delivered Rivers State to President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, insisting that no rival group would be allowed to take control of the president’s campaign structure in the state.
Wike made the remarks during a thank-you visit to Port Harcourt Local Government Area, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths, while responding to supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who are now aligning with Tinubu.
The former Rivers State governor accused Atiku’s supporters of poor electoral performance in 2023, arguing that they lacked the credibility to lead Tinubu’s campaign in the state.
“In 2023, we led the war to deliver President Tinubu in Rivers State,” Wike said. “Those who supported Atiku in 2023 and couldn’t give him 10 per cent are now saying they are going to lead President Tinubu’s campaign in Rivers State. Is it possible?”
He added, “Nobody in this state can push us out. We have led the war, and don’t be bothered about the abuses.”
Wike, who has been touring Rivers State’s 23 local government areas to thank residents for their support during the last general election, said the mobilisation drive was also aimed at consolidating support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reflecting on leadership and power, the minister stressed that authority is temporary and warned against the illusion of permanence in politics.
“We should know that today I am a leader; tomorrow it will be your turn too,” he said. “No one man can be a leader forever. It is not possible. God has never allowed that.”
He continued, “So, everyone is saying Wike is our leader. As it is today, yes, but it can never be forever.”
Speaking on succession, Wike urged political leaders to accept that leadership is rotational and time-bound.
“Man comes, man goes,” he said. “What I mean by ‘man comes, man goes’ is that everybody has their own turn. When your time has come, you do whatever you can to the satisfaction of the people and according to the will of God.”
According to him, understanding the temporary nature of leadership would foster respect, tolerance and cooperation among political actors.
“When you understand that a leader’s time will come, somebody will respect you too,” Wike said. “A bad leader is one who is advised but remains reluctant to change. But a good leader is one who listens to his people.”
Wike also claimed that Rivers State occupies a unique political position, noting that cooperation between leaders of the two major parties helped secure Tinubu’s victory in the state.
His comments come amid rising political tension in Rivers, as the State House of Assembly continues impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara over allegations including failure to present the 2026 budget and claims of financial mismanagement.
Most members of the Assembly are believed to be loyal to Wike, who has repeatedly criticised Fubara, accusing him of abandoning a peace agreement reached before President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule earlier imposed on the state.
