Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will remain in office until 2031. Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike emphasized his belief that Tinubu’s presidency is solid and uninterrupted, particularly due to the challenges the President overcame during the 2023 presidential election.
Wike highlighted the tough circumstances Tinubu faced leading up to and during the election, including the naira redesign and the fuel crisis, which Wike claims were orchestrated by the previous All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in an attempt to thwart Tinubu’s success. Despite these challenges, Wike praised Tinubu for his resilience and said that his victory was not only a result of divine favor but also a reflection of his political acumen.
The FCT Minister also took the opportunity to address the internal turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning the party of the consequences of its unresolved issues. Wike threatened to withdraw his support for the party in the upcoming FCT council elections if the internal problems are not settled. He made it clear that he would not support PDP if it continued on its current path.
In his words, Wike stated: “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 further warned that the ongoing crisis within the party could consume the PDP until the necessary corrective actions are taken. He shared that, although he has not personally recommended anyone to governors, he still plays a significant role in influencing political outcomes. He mentioned the governor of Bayelsa as an example, stating that he played a crucial role in his political success, a fact the governor could not deny.
Regarding Tinubu’s presidency, Wike made it clear that he remains steadfast in his belief that the presidency should shift to the North after 2031. He affirmed his position, stating: “I said it in 2023 and I’m saying it again: until 2031, when the presidency should shift to the North, there’s nothing anybody can say to change my mind. You can’t tell me it’s your right alone to produce the president. Let’s all live harmoniously.”
Wike also reflected on the difficult road to victory that Tinubu had to navigate, emphasizing the challenges the president overcame during the election year. He noted that despite the fuel crisis and the naira policy introduced by the previous government, which he described as disastrous, Tinubu emerged victorious, showcasing not just divine intervention, but also his deep understanding of the political game.
“Whether APC liked it or not, Tinubu’s road to victory was turbulent. He could have lost woefully. The fuel crisis, the naira policy—it was all terrible. No party would introduce such policies during an election year. But he survived it,” Wike said. “That’s how you know God is on someone’s side—and that they understand the game. You must give it to him,” he concluded.