‘After Tinubu, I’m the Most Abused Politician,’ Wike Tells Supporters in Rivers

‘After Tinubu, I’m the Most Abused Politician,’ Wike Tells Supporters in RiversSlams Political Defectors
Declares 2026 as Start of Rivers Politics, Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, has described himself as the most abused politician in Nigeria after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the criticism he faces to his unwavering loyalty and insistence on honouring political agreements.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Wike made the remarks during a special thanksgiving service organised by the Chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, at his Ochiba country home in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State at the weekend.

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The former Rivers State governor also declared that political activities in the state would begin from January 2026, stressing that his political camp remains resolute and will not be swayed by intimidation or shifting alliances.

Wike used the occasion to thank the people of Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas for standing by him and supporting President Tinubu during the 2023 general elections, despite what he described as widespread uncertainty at the time.

“This is the first local government we are coming to say thank you for being there for us all through these years,” Wike said. “When it was tough, you stood firm. When many could not openly say ‘on your mandate we stand,’ you stood and defended that mandate.”

Recalling the 2023 presidential election, Wike said many politicians distanced themselves from Tinubu when victory appeared uncertain, only to return later to claim loyalty after the President’s emergence.

‘After Tinubu, I’m the Most Abused Politician,’ Wike Tells Supporters in Rivers

“So all these people you now see singing ‘on your mandate we stand,’ when it mattered most, they couldn’t sing that song,” he said. “You were harassed, you were not in power, yet you stood firm. That is why we have come to say thank you.”

Wike condemned what he described as political opportunism, warning that loyalty tested only in favourable times was meaningless. He insisted that his political decisions were based on conviction rather than convenience.

“Nigerians know us. When we take a decision, we stand by it. We don’t take decisions based on what people say later. We take decisions based on what we believe,” he said.

The FCT minister reiterated his long-standing support for President Tinubu, saying he had never hidden his position. “After Bola Tinubu, the next most abused politician is me,” Wike said. “Why? Because they know that agreement means something to me. If you cannot keep an agreement, don’t enter into it.”

He also alleged that some politicians within Rivers State, after benefiting from the current state administration, had resorted to attacking him politically.

Wike further claimed that many projects recently inaugurated by his successor were substantially completed during his tenure and handed over in the spirit of continuity. “We did it because we believed we were a team,” he said. “I have no regrets.”

Earlier, Prince Chibudom Nwuche said the Ekpeye Kingdom would continue to support Wike, citing the former governor’s role in elevating traditional institutions and attracting development projects to the area.

“For the first time, Ekpeye had seven first-class stools. Before now, we had only one,” Nwuche said. “Others came and left, but he recognised and elevated our traditional institutions.”

Nwuche urged political leaders to use power to uplift the people rather than oppress them, adding that Wike’s followers remained loyal because of the positive impact of his leadership.

“Nobody who follows Wike can say they have not been impacted positively,” he said.