Wike: I’m Nigeria’s Second Most Abused Politician After Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he is currently the most abused politician in Nigeria after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the sustained criticism against him to his firm political convictions and insistence on honouring agreements.

Wike made the statement on Saturday December 27, 2025, during a special thanksgiving service organised by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, and his family at Ochiba community, his hometown in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The former Rivers State Governor also announced that political activities in the State would formally begin in January 2026, stressing that his political structure would remain resolute and unwavering in its support for President Tinubu.

Addressing supporters and community members, Wike reiterated that he has never hidden his political position and has remained consistent in his loyalty to the President.

He expressed gratitude to the people of Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas for their sustained support over the years, particularly during periods of political uncertainty.

“This is the first Local Government we are coming to thank for standing with us all through these years. God detests ingratitude, and for all you have done for us, we say thank you,” Wike said.

Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, the FCT Minister recalled the tense atmosphere and widespread doubts over Tinubu’s chances of emerging victorious.

He noted that while many politicians distanced themselves at the time, leaders and supporters in the Area took a firm stand.

“When it was tough and many people doubted whether Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win, we stood firm and said, ‘On your mandate we stand.’ Today, by the grace of God, he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Wike praised residents of the Area for helping to strengthen Tinubu’s mandate in Rivers State, describing their loyalty as critical to consolidating the President’s victory in the State.

In a veiled reference to recent political developments in Rivers State, including the defection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike suggested that some politicians were only now openly supporting Tinubu after failing to do so when it mattered most.

“Those you now hear singing ‘on your mandate we stand’ could not sing that song during the election. They could not come out then to ask people to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The FCT Minister urged his supporters to remain steadfast, stressing the importance of consistency, integrity and loyalty in politics.

He warned against making promises that cannot be fulfilled, insisting that agreements must always be honoured.

“I believe in agreement. If you know you cannot do something, don’t say it and don’t enter into it. From January next year, politics will start, but nobody can use us,” Wike stated.

Explaining the reasons behind the persistent attacks against him, Wike said some politicians deliberately abuse him for personal or financial gain, noting sarcastically that criticising him has become a strategy for attracting attention and rewards in Nigerian politics.

“If you want to be noticed, just say you will deal with Wike. The moment you say it, something will come down,” he remarked.

Earlier, Chibudom Nwuche praised Wike for his developmental contributions to the Ekpeye Kingdom, particularly the elevation of traditional stools during his tenure as Rivers State Governor.

“For the first time, Ekpeye had seven first-class stools. Before now, we had only one. Many governors came and left, but only Wike elevated our stools,” Nwuche said.

He described Wike as a leader who used power to positively impact the people, noting that residents across the area could attest to the benefits they enjoyed under his leadership.

“No one who follows Wike can say they have not been positively impacted. That is why, wherever he goes, we will go with him,” Nwuche added.