Addressing a joint gathering of stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, on Monday night, Wike, who is a member of the PDP service in an APC federal administration, said that his only political commitment at the moment was to support Tinubu, which he said he has never hidden.
According to the former governor of Rivers State, whose faction of the PDP has been endorsed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the mistakes of previous election cycles would not be repeated. He warned aspirants to note that no governor from any state can impose a candidate on Rivers State.
He also acknowledged the roles played by the state House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, insisting that the lawmakers’ actions had been crucial in shaping current political developments.
Wike urged members of the joint coalition to remain committed to working in the best interests of the state, adding that only those who are genuinely dedicated to this cause would benefit.
He cautioned against the rush for endorsements and warned against internal divisions that personal ambitions can create.
The minister stressed that the group’s current political strength was built on unity and commitment rather than financial influence.
He warned that external forces were actively seeking to divide the stakeholders because of their successful collaboration.
‘If we were not working together, if we were not united, it would be difficult. People are not happy that we are working together, so they will do anything to ensure we are divided’, Wike stated.
He expressed disappointment in certain individuals who, after benefiting from appointments facilitated by the group, have turned around to criticise its leadership.
Wike described such behaviour as a failure of character and warned that those attempting to upstage others through deceit would not succeed.
Clarifying his position on upcoming political activities, he dismissed rumours of private endorsements for elective political offices, insisting that his public and private positions remained consistent.
He maintained that the only endorsement currently recognised by the group is for the Presidency, emphasising that the group has officially endorsed President Tinubu.
Wike commended the council chairmen, Rivers State elders, and the leadership of the PDP and APC for their coordination in bringing stakeholders together, noting that the absence of complaints about inclusiveness was a testament to the success of the meeting.
