The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that defecting to the All Progressives Congress or openly aligning with President Bola Tinubu does not automatically guarantee a second-term ticket in 2027.
Wike issued the warning on Tuesday while addressing supporters during a political engagement in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of his ongoing consultations across the state.
Even though Wike did not specifically mention any individual’s name, unfolding political events in the state with the governor, Sim Fubara defecting from his former party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), observers believed in a shift in the political dynamics of Rivers.
Received by the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Chidi Lloyd, alongside traditional ruler Sergeant Awuse and other party leaders, the minister reaffirmed his belief in some political principles.
He used the occasion to restate his long-standing views on political loyalty, agreements, and relevance.
Addressing the gathering, Wike stressed that the Ikwerre ethnic nationality must remain strategically relevant in Nigeria’s political equation.
He warned against complacency and the danger of political marginalisation, noting that relevance is not sustained by following trends but by deliberate and consistent political choices.
According to him, political capital is built through clear agreements and commitment, not by making late declarations of loyalty after electoral victories have already been secured.
The former Rivers State governor cautioned that merely professing support for President Tinubu, particularly after the 2023 general elections, should not be misconstrued as an automatic pathway to re-election.
Wike insisted that politics must be guided by well-defined understandings, adding that promises must be honoured and that loyalty without structure or mutual commitment offers no guarantees.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Chidi Lloyd, reaffirmed the council’s support for President Tinubu and Wike, declaring that Emohua remained firmly aligned with their political direction.
From Emohua, the minister proceeded to Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area, where he delivered a similar message.