By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has berated latecomer Rivers State politicians for their last minute rush to the All Progressive Party (APC) from the PDP, warning that their defection cannot guarantee them party tickets for the 2027 election.
Wike gave this warning on Monday during a thank you visit to Omuma Local Government Area, as he thanked Omuma residents for their continued loyalty.
The former Rivers State governor stated that credibility, consistency, and grassroots trust are part of the hallmark of true political power and not opportunity or convenience.
Wike said, “Power is not given freely. Politics is not a gift. Mandates are earned, defended, and protected. Nobody dashes power.”
He explained that his tour was purely to thank and express gratitude to supporters and not to kickstart a campaign of any sort.
“I did not come here to play politics. I came here for one clear reason: to say thank you,” he stated.
According to him, closing the year without personally appreciating the people would have been ungrateful.
Wike used the occasion to reflect on the 2023 elections, stating that his unwavering stance was rooted in equity, fairness, and justice.
Speaking to the crowd, he reminded them that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the presidency with strong Rivers support, the PDP dominated state-level races, proving his camp’s mobilization strength.
In the same vein, Wike charged supporters to be vigilant and wait for further directives from them as political campaigns kick off in January 2026.
“From January, politics begins. Be prepared. This is not a threat; it is a strategic reality.”
“ I am reaffirming my unwavering alignment with President Tinubu. Whatever the President says, know that is precisely where I stand. There is alignment. There is no ambiguity,” he stated.
Wike highlighted the need to uphold integrity, as he warned against breaking agreements or abandoning principles for money.
“Hard times expose character. You know who stands firm and who only shows up when food is ready,” he emphasized.
The minister further stressed that, “If you choose one direction or another, that is your decision. But understand this clearly: power is not for dash,” the FCT minister stressed.
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