NIGERIA, ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has effectively distanced himself from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared his full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking during an interactive session on TVC on Sunday, Wike reaffirmed his political allegiance to Tinubu, citing gratitude for his ministerial appointment and emphasizing the importance of reciprocal loyalty.
“When someone helps you, it is only right to stand by them in return,” Wike stated, stressing that Tinubu’s support for him cannot be ignored.
The former Rivers State governor, who played a controversial role in the 2023 elections by opposing his party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, made it clear that he sees no justification for withdrawing his backing from the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.
Rift with Rivers Governor and PDP Loyalty in Question
Wike also pointed to his dissatisfaction with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, arguing that his political camp had expected the governor to prioritize their interests but claimed that Fubara had failed to do so.
“If the President had not given us this position, what would have happened to us?” Wike asked, further justifying his alignment with Tinubu.
Naija News reports that his latest statement reinforces growing speculation that he has fully severed ties with the PDP, despite not making an official defection announcement.
Criticism of Ethnic Politics in Rivers State
Beyond party politics, Wike criticized the ethnic sentiments shaping Rivers State’s political landscape, particularly the narrative favoring Governor Fubara as an Ijaw candidate.
He argued that performance, not ethnicity, should determine political choices.
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“Many politicians manipulate ethnic narratives for personal gain but fail to share the benefits with the people they claim to represent,” he noted.
Wike urged political stakeholders to move away from divisive politics and focus on governance that delivers long-term benefits.
Wike’s Political Future
This latest move further fuels speculation that Wike is inching closer to an official defection to the APC, given his public commitment to Tinubu’s re-election.
As he continues to play a pivotal role in the FCT and national politics, his stance could have significant implications for both the PDP and Rivers State’s political dynamics ahead of 2027.