Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has derisively lashed out at politicians who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress and are now loudly chanting “on your mandate we shall stand” in support of President Bola Tinubu, accusing them of staying mute when support truly mattered.
Wike, who described himself as the most abused politician in the country after President Tinubu, said real politics in Rivers State would formally commence from January 2026.
He spoke on Saturday at a thanksgiving service organised by the Chairman of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, and his family in Ochiba community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Recalling the 2023 general election, the former Rivers State governor praised the people of Ahoada East and Ahoada West for standing solidly with him in backing Tinubu at a time many others were hesitant.
“You remember in 2023, when it was tough and many doubted Tinubu’s chances, so many people could not come out to vote. But here, we stood firm and said, ‘On your mandate, we stand.’ To the glory of God, we stood. Today, he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Wike stated.
In a veiled jab at recent political converts, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike suggested their newfound loyalty came too late.
“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 said.
Wike stressed that loyalty must be rooted in conviction, not convenience, warning against what he described as opportunistic politics.
“We have never wavered in support of Bola Tinubu. When we take a decision, we do so based on conviction, not what people are doing,” he said.
He also dismissed criticisms from political opponents, noting that many projects being commissioned by his successor were initiated and completed under his administration to ensure continuity in governance.
Earlier, SSDC Chairman Chibudom Nwuche showered praise on Wike, citing his contributions to the Ekpeye Kingdom, including the elevation of seven first-class stools and major infrastructure upgrades.
“Nobody who follows Wike can say they haven’t benefited. That is why no matter where he goes, we shall go there,” Nwuche said.
