FCT minister says political loyalty remains firm, urges grassroots mobilisation across Obio-Akpor….
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, urging political stakeholders in Rivers State to strengthen their mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections.
Wike spoke on Friday during a strategic consultative meeting with stakeholders in Akpor Kingdom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state, where he said his renewed involvement in Rivers politics was focused on advancing the interests of the people.
He also repeated his earlier pledge to resign as FCT minister if Tinubu fails to win Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike said political differences should not prevent politicians from working together when the collective interest of the people is at stake.
“There is no permanent enemy in politics; what we have is permanent collective interest,” he said.
The former Rivers governor urged political actors to broaden their support base, arguing that numerical strength remains crucial to winning elections and delivering what he described as democratic dividends.
He also defended his decision to maintain an open-door approach towards former political opponents, dismissing criticism of the move on social media.
Wike recalled the political circumstances surrounding his appointment as FCT minister, describing his emergence as an unusual political development that became possible through his relationship with Tinubu.
“You know how difficult, you know how impossible it looked, but he made it possible for us to produce the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,” he told the gathering.
The minister called for an all-inclusive campaign structure in Obio-Akpor, urging traditional rulers, religious leaders, community figures and other political stakeholders to work towards a common electoral objective.
“Obio-Akpor as a whole, whether you are a politician, whether you are a traditional ruler, whether you are a pastor, or whether you are a native doctor, I need everybody now,” Wike said.
“Because all of them will vote. For the purpose of voting and elections, we must bring everyone together.”
Drawing from his experience as the first elected chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government to secure a second term after the council was created in 1989, Wike attributed his re-election to his performance and close relationship with residents.
“I was not elected two times because I was just chairman. I was elected because people felt the impact of governance and because I related with the people,” he said.
Wike identified Wards 15, 16 and 17 as critical to the electoral fortunes of the local government, saying the three wards collectively account for more than 200 polling units.
He directed local political leaders to deploy coordinators and canvassers to the polling units and mobilise families, neighbours and other residents ahead of the elections.
Wike also pledged to remain a strong voice in Rivers State, describing himself as the state’s “chief critic” who would continue to hold elected council officials accountable to the people.
The minister was accompanied to the meeting by the Rivers State All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda, and other political leaders.
