The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he has not endorsed any individual for future political contests in Rivers State, insisting such decisions rest with party elders.
Wike spoke on Monday night while addressing a joint gathering of All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party stakeholders from Rivers State at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
In a video of the meeting posted by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, via X on Tuesday, the minister cautioned against rush for endorsements, warning that personal ambitions were fuelling internal divisions within the political fold.
“I have not promised anybody support. The only commitment I have made on my behalf and you is that we are going to support President Bola Tinubu,” Wike told the stakeholders.
He said the group’s current political strength was built on unity and commitment, not financial influence, adding that external forces were attempting to create disunity among members.
“If we were not working together, if we were not united, it would be difficult. People are not happy that we are working together, so they must find anything to make sure we are divided,” he added.
He, however, expressed disappointment with some individuals who, after benefiting from appointments facilitated by the group, had turned to criticise its leadership.
“Woe be unto the person that we have given an appointment [who] goes back to castigate,” he said, noting that many who once sought his mentorship could no longer look him in the eye.
On upcoming political activities, Wike dismissed claims of private endorsements for local offices, maintaining that his public and private positions remain consistent.
He said he had not endorsed any candidate for either the PDP or APC at the state level and would not do so until party elders meet to take a collective decision.
Wike added that the only endorsement currently recognised by the group is for President Bola Tinubu.
The minister stressed his transparency, saying, “Anything I say in the night is what I will say in the daytime.”
He also commended council chairmen, Rivers elders and the leadership of both parties for their coordination in mobilising stakeholders for the meeting, noting that the absence of complaints about inclusiveness reflected the success of the gathering.
The statement comes against the backdrop of a prolonged political rift between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The two were once close allies, with Wike playing a key role in Fubara’s emergence as governor in 2023.
However, tensions escalated shortly after Fubara assumed office, leading to a prolonged crisis that required multiple interventions by President Bola Tinubu.
The 2027 race remains fluid, with questions lingering over whether Fubara will seek re-election and how the power blocs in the oil-rich state will realign.
