Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his decision to return to Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections is motivated by his desire to contribute to the development and welfare of the people rather than pursue personal interests.
Wike made the statement during a strategic consultative meeting with stakeholders from Akpor Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor said political activities should be driven by the collective interests of the people, rather than longstanding disagreements among political actors.
“My interest in Rivers State is for God to use me as a vessel to help our people. I am back here not for what I will get, but for what I will be to raise my people,” Wike said.
He added that political relationships could change, stressing that the interests of the people should remain the priority.
“There is no permanent enemy in politics; what we have is permanent collective interest,” he said.
According to Wike, political strength is also dependent on the ability to build a broad support base, urging stakeholders to work together ahead of future elections.
“It is all about the interest of our people. The more you are in number, the happier you become. Leadership is like a waste dustbin. If you cannot absorb things, both the good and the bad, then you cannot be a true leader,” he stated.
Wike also described his political alignment with President Bola Tinubu as firm, saying the political development that led to his appointment as FCT Minister was an unusual milestone.
“You know how difficult, you know how impossible it looked, but he made it possible for us to produce the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,” Wike said.
The FCT minister urged politicians and community stakeholders in Obio-Akpor to work together, saying traditional rulers, religious leaders and other groups would all have roles to play in the electoral process.
“Obio-Akpor as a whole, whether you are a politician, whether you are a traditional ruler, whether you are a pastor, or whether you are a native doctor, I need everybody now because all of them will vote. For the purpose of voting and elections, we must bring everyone together,” he said.
Wike further attributed his previous electoral successes to the impact of his governance and his relationship with the people.
“I was elected because people felt the impact of governance and because I related with the people. Anywhere, whether for burial or thanksgiving, I was always identifying with them,” he said.
He also advised political actors in the state not to be distracted by criticism over his willingness to engage with former political opponents, maintaining that expanding support was important to achieving political objectives.
