The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has finally addressed the rumors surrounding his support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, firmly denying allegations of a secret pact between the two political figures. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Friday night, Wike stated categorically that no transactional agreement existed between him and the president before he endorsed Tinubu’s candidacy.
“I never had any bargain with Mr. President before I supported him,” Wike said, debunking months of speculation that his support for Tinubu was part of a backroom deal. Wike’s support for Tinubu, declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election, came as a surprise to many, especially within his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
As a prominent member of the PDP’s ‘G5’ group, Wike had refused to back the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the election, aligning himself with Seyi Makinde, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Samuel Ortom, who were also governors at the time. The ‘G5’ bloc was vocal about their dissatisfaction with the PDP’s internal leadership issues and Atiku’s candidacy.
Wike’s statement on Friday night marks the first time he has publicly addressed the allegations of a pre-election deal with Tinubu, which gained traction after he was appointed as Minister of the FCT in August 2023, shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023. The timing of Wike’s appointment raised questions about whether his role as a federal minister was a reward for his support during the election.
However, Wike emphasized that his decision to back Tinubu was based solely on his belief in Tinubu’s ability to deliver on his promises, not on any pre-arranged benefits or agreements. “I supported Mr. President because I saw in him a vision for Nigeria’s future. There was no secret agreement, no promises exchanged. It was about leadership,” he explained.
Wike also addressed concerns about his loyalty to the PDP, given his prominent position within the party and his association with the ‘G5’ group. He clarified that his support for Tinubu in the 2023 election was not a betrayal of his party but a decision rooted in his personal conviction. “I made a decision based on what I believed was best for the country. It wasn’t about the party; it was about leadership and the direction I thought Nigeria should go,” Wike reiterated.
The former Rivers State governor further elaborated on the challenges faced by the ‘G5’ during the election period, revealing that the group’s dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership and Atiku’s candidacy led them to explore alternative options. Wike pointed out that their decision to withhold support for Atiku was not taken lightly but was a reflection of their desire for change within the party.
Wike’s appointment as Minister of the FCT has been viewed as a significant political development, especially given his role in managing the capital territory, which is critical to the administration of the country. As he settles into his role, Wike has pledged to focus on improving infrastructure, addressing security concerns, and ensuring that the FCT serves as a model for governance.
