The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced that political activities in Rivers State will commence from January 2026.
Wike made the disclosure while addressing political stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas during the annual thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, Chibudom Nwuche.
The event took place on Saturday at Ochigba community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The former governor of Rivers State emphasised that political engagements would resume early next year.
He said, “And we are going forward from January next year. Let me inform you, we will start politics. Let me inform you, we will start what, politics.”
Speaking further, Wike criticised some individuals whom he accused of reaping benefits from the sacrifices made by others during the 2023 general elections without openly supporting President Bola Tinubu at the time.
According to the minister, many people failed to publicly associate themselves with Tinubu’s mandate when the political atmosphere was tense during the election period.
Wike stated: “In that 2023, it was difficult for so many people to come out to say, vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“But, we did it, when it was tough for people to say on your mandate we stand. We stood firm and said on your mandate we stand.
“And to the glory of God, we stood and on your mandate we stand today is very strong.
“So, you are the ones who made the mandate to be strong as far as Rivers State is concerned.”
The FCT minister questioned those who are now openly praising the Tinubu administration and declaring loyalty to the President, asking where they stood when support was most crucial during the 2023 elections.
He noted that such individuals neither openly declared their support for Tinubu nor mobilised their followers to vote for him at the critical time.
However, Wike assured his supporters that their sacrifices during the 2023 electioneering period would not be forgotten.
Addressing issues surrounding the widely reported peace agreement in Rivers State, Wike maintained that he would not be involved in any deal that could not be honoured.
He declared: “You know me, I believe in agreement is agreement. Agreement is what, agreement. Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it. Don’t enter into it.
“Nobody can use us to say let me say yes I agree, later. No, you can’t do that. Whatever you have agreed in the morning, you must agree in the night.”
Wike added: “If we did not shout that time and stand firm, will they have shouted now?”
The former governor reiterated his political position, noting that he is one of the most criticised politicians in the country, largely due to his insistence on the sanctity of agreements.
He also reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu, stressing that he and his political associates remain committed to defending the president’s mandate.
Wike expressed appreciation to the people of Ahoada for their sustained loyalty and support, assuring them that there was no cause for concern.
He concluded by stating that he would speak further on related matters at the appropriate time.
