Supporting Tinubu Not Automatic Ticket to Power — Wike

T The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and other recent defectors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not automatically guarantee political tickets or relevance.

Wike delivered the message during a public address, where he dismissed claims that open support for President Tinubu should translate into political rewards.

According to him, loyalty to the President is no longer a bargaining chip, stressing that Tinubu’s leadership is not in question within the political fold.

“So the issue is not whether you are supporting Tinubu. That one, we have taken too long,” Wike said. “Tinubu’s issue is not an issue at all. We are for Tinubu. Do you understand me?”

The former Rivers State governor, known for his blunt political style, warned politicians against assuming that late alignment with the ruling party would secure them influence or protection. He hinted that some political actors who once opposed the centre are now attempting to realign after losing ground.
Wike also referenced past political battles, noting that some individuals who once claimed strong loyalty later turned against the same leadership they now seek to embrace. He described such moves as opportunistic and lacking credibility.

“They were the first in Nigeria to say who they supported to the point, but when they finished, they turned around and took the same people to court,” he said, suggesting that consistency and integrity matter more than sudden declarations of support.

The cryptic message is widely interpreted as a veiled warning to Governor Fubara and other politicians who recently defected to the APC, amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State. Wike’s comments signal that internal party politics and loyalty tests may intensify ahead of future electoral contests, despite public endorsements of President Tinubu.