The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned politicians who recently began aligning themselves with Bola Ahmed Tinubu that their sudden loyalty should not be seen as a shortcut to political benefits.
Speaking during a gathering with political stakeholders in Emohua Local Government Area, Wike stressed that genuine political support is tested during difficult moments, not after victory has already been secured.
The former governor of Rivers State suggested that many individuals who currently present themselves as loyal supporters of the president were absent when Tinubu’s political prospects were uncertain before the 2023 election.
According to him, merely repeating the campaign phrase widely associated with Tinubu’s supporters does not automatically qualify someone for recognition or political advantage within the administration.
Wike emphasized that his own support for the president was not opportunistic. He explained that he publicly stood behind Tinubu even when the outcome of the presidential contest was far from predictable.
The minister also used the occasion to highlight the role played by the Ikwerre people in the 2023 elections. He argued that voters from the Ikwerre area were instrumental in delivering strong electoral backing for Tinubu within Rivers State.
Reflecting on that period, Wike described the decision to support the president as a bold political move. At the time, he noted, many political observers were unsure whether Tinubu would eventually emerge victorious.
He insisted that the support shown by his political allies was based on conviction rather than convenience. In his words, loyalty during uncertain times is what truly defines a political partnership.
The minister also revisited the debate that took place within the Peoples Democratic Party before the election. According to him, he was among those who argued strongly that political power should rotate back to the southern region for a complete eight-year period.
While addressing his audience, Wike criticized individuals who remained neutral during the election period but later began presenting themselves as key allies of the current administration.
He suggested that such behavior undermines the spirit of political commitment and fairness, warning that alliances formed after the fact cannot replace loyalty shown during challenging times.
The FCT minister further noted that political agreements and commitments must be respected. In his view, the credibility of any political system depends largely on whether leaders honour the alliances that helped them achieve power.
Wike concluded by cautioning that opportunistic support will not be rewarded in Rivers State politics. According to him, people who only joined the political movement after Tinubu’s victory should not expect special treatment.
Commentary and Analysis
Wike’s remarks highlight the continuing political tensions that often follow major elections in Nigeria. After a new administration takes power, various political actors frequently reposition themselves in hopes of gaining influence or access to government opportunities.
By warning against what he described as “late supporters,” Wike appears to be defending the role played by those who backed Tinubu early in the political contest. Such statements also reinforce his own political influence as a prominent ally of the president.
The comments may also reflect broader competition within the ruling political structure, where different groups attempt to establish their importance to the administration.
Political loyalty remains a significant factor in Nigerian politics, especially in determining appointments, alliances, and influence. Leaders often seek to distinguish between those who supported them during difficult moments and those who joined their camp after victory was secured.
Ultimately, Wike’s message signals that political relationships built on early commitment and shared risk may carry greater weight than alliances formed after the political landscape has already shifted.
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