Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory’s minister, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fortitude in the face of pre-election difficulties, claiming that political acumen and divine favor enabled him to overcome the odds in the 2023 presidential election.
During a Friday media briefing in Abuja, Wike recalled how Tinubu almost lost the presidency due to fuel shortages and the contentious naira redesign policy, but he insisted that “you must give it to him, God is on his side.”
He attributed these impediments to the previous administration under the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the gasoline scarcity and contentious currency redesign as purposeful measures to destroy Tinubu’s chances at the polls.
“Whether the APC wanted it or not, Tinubu’s victory in that election was extremely contentious. He could have had a disastrous election failure, as you could see. “The naira problem and the fuel crisis were awful,” Wike remarked.
“Everything was done, and he survived it, but no party in government at the time would introduce such a policy when you know you are running an election.”
“You’ll know that there are people who, first and foremost, have God on their side because they are aware of this game and you need to give it to them.”
The former Rivers State governor also addressed internal matters within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), issuing a stern warning about his support for the upcoming FCT area council elections.
“If PDP does not put their house in order, I’m not going to support them in the area councils election. If PDP goes the way they are going, I will not support them,” Wike said.
He stressed that the party’s ongoing crisis must be resolved and hinted at the significant role he continues to play behind the scenes, even without directly nominating candidates.
“This crisis will consume this party until the right thing is being done. I have never recommended anybody to these governors but that does not mean that I don’t play any role.
“Like the governor of Bayelsa, I played a fundamental role, he can’t deny it.”
Wike reiterated his earlier position from 2023, emphasising that the presidency should rotate to the North only in 2031.
“I have said it in 2023 and I’m saying it again that until 2031, when the position should go to the North, there is nothing anybody will say to me now.
“It’s not anti-party, it’s harmonious living together, you can’t tell me that it’s your own prerogative to be producing president; let’s all live,” the FCT Minister stated.
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