Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has sharply criticised a segment of Nigerian politicians, accusing them of opportunism and belated loyalty to President Bola Tinubu. Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Rivers State, Wike specifically targeted those who now vocally support the President, claiming they were conspicuously absent during the challenging 2023 election campaigns when Tinubu’s victory was far from assured. His remarks underscore a recurring theme in Nigerian politics: the shifting allegiances and post-election declarations of support.
The pointed comments were delivered on Saturday during a thanksgiving service organised by Chibudom Nwuche, Chairman of the South-South Development Commission, and his family in Ochiba community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State. It was at this event that Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, reiterated his long-standing commitment to President Tinubu’s presidential bid. He used the platform to draw a clear distinction between steadfast supporters and those he characterised as fair-weather allies.
Wike recounted the difficult political climate of 2023, recalling a period when many doubted Tinubu’s chances and were hesitant to publicly back his candidacy. He contrasted this with the unwavering support he and his allies, particularly from Ahoada East and Ahoada West, demonstrated. “You remember in 2023, when it was tough and many doubted Tinubu’s chances, so many people could not come out to vote,” Wike stated, emphasizing the commitment of those who “stood firm and said, ‘On your mandate, we stand.’” This narrative positions Wike as a pivotal figure in Tinubu’s electoral success, particularly in the South-South region.
While not explicitly naming individuals, Wike’s commentary contained a thinly veiled reference to the recent defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting his support for Tinubu was belated and self-serving. “All these people you see now singing ‘on your mandate we stand’, when they were needed most, they couldn’t. They couldn’t vote for Ahmed Bola Tinubu,” he asserted. This statement highlights the ongoing political friction between Wike, a prominent APC figure, and his successor, Governor Fubara, who was once his political protégé.
The political landscape in Rivers State has been fraught with tension since the 2023 general elections, largely stemming from the evolving relationship between Wike and Fubara. Wike, instrumental in Fubara’s emergence as governor, has since become a vocal critic, particularly concerning Fubara’s administrative decisions and political realignments. This public spat has led to a deep division within the state’s political class, with factions aligning with either the FCT Minister or the incumbent governor, often resulting in legislative and executive gridlock.
Beyond the issue of political loyalty, Wike also addressed criticisms leveled against him regarding governance and project continuity. He robustly defended his administrative record, asserting that many significant projects recently commissioned by his successor were, in fact, initiated and substantially completed during his tenure as governor. Wike stressed that these projects were part of a deliberate strategy to ensure continuous development and progress for Rivers State, implying that his administration laid the groundwork for current achievements.
The FCT Minister’s remarks shed light on the broader phenomenon of political defections in Nigeria, where politicians frequently cross party lines, especially after general elections, often citing alignment with the ruling party’s agenda or national interest. Critics, including Wike, frequently view such shifts as opportunistic moves driven by personal ambition or the desire to remain relevant within the power structure. This trend often undermines ideological consistency and trust in the political system.
Wike’s unwavering support for President Tinubu during the 2023 elections is notably rooted in his role as a prominent member of the “G5 governors” – a group of five Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who withheld their support from their party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. This decision, driven by demands for internal party restructuring and power rotation, inadvertently bolstered Tinubu’s chances. Wike’s current pronouncements serve to reinforce his narrative of principled loyalty to Tinubu, contrasting it with those who opportunistically join the winning side.
The ongoing political maneuvering, particularly Wike’s persistent critiques, signals a continued struggle for influence and control within the APC, both at the national level and specifically in Rivers State. As President Tinubu consolidates his administration, the loyalty of key political figures like Wike becomes crucial. His statements are not merely retrospective but also serve as a strategic assertion of his political weight and a challenge to those he perceives as latecomers to the presidential mandate.
Ultimately, Wike’s address in Ahoada East underscores the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and strategic calculations that define Nigerian politics. His call for genuine loyalty and steadfast commitment to a political cause, set against the backdrop of shifting allegiances, resonates deeply within a system where political opportunism often trumps ideological consistency. The remarks serve as a potent reminder of the high stakes involved in political endorsements and the enduring quest for power and recognition.
