Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said political relevance does not depend on holding a public office.
Wike made the remarks while responding to questions about his political future and his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister said politicians should focus on their relationship with the people rather than rely solely on positions of authority.
‘You Don’t Have to Hold Office to Be Relevant’
According to Wike, political influence is determined by how a politician conducts himself and how the people perceive his leadership.
“For you to be relevant, must you occupy a position of authority? No, certainly not.”
He said people who believe political relevance ends when they leave office are mistaken.
Wike also pointed to developments in Rivers State as evidence of what he described as his continuing connection with the people.
“Go to Rivers State and see how my state is today,” he said.
“Compare it with what the state was like before. People can say whatever they want, but the people themselves know what they are seeing.”
Wike Defends Relationship With Tinubu
Wike also defended his political relationship with President Tinubu.
He said the relationship would not change because of criticism from other politicians.
The minister said the President was aware of his political activities and understood what he was doing.
According to Wike, his contribution goes beyond electoral matters.
He said his objective was also to ensure that his political relevance and that of his allies could not simply be ignored in Nigeria.
‘I Have Never Hidden My Position’
Wike said he had never concealed his support for President Tinubu.
He recalled that he and other political figures openly informed the President that they would support him during the 2023 presidential election.
The minister said he did not expect the decision to create some of the political tensions now surrounding him.
Wike also rejected suggestions that his activities amounted to political interference.
He said public officials must be accountable for their actions and decisions.
Wike Challenges Critics
The minister questioned the argument that supporting President Tinubu at the presidential level should prevent politicians from supporting candidates from other parties in state and legislative elections.
He cited governors who support the President while belonging to political parties other than the APC.
Wike argued that supporting a presidential candidate does not necessarily mean abandoning candidates running for other offices.
He maintained that political realities differ from one state to another.
‘The Result Is What Matters’
Wike also defended his role in the 2023 election.
He dismissed claims that other politicians were solely responsible for the electoral outcome.
According to him, several politicians had initially questioned his ability to contribute to the President’s victory.
He said subsequent claims of having delivered the election should be judged against the actual results.
“The important thing is the result,” Wike said.
Wike Says He Will Continue to Speak His Mind
The minister said he would continue to act according to his convictions.
He insisted that he had never told anyone anything different from what he believed.
Wike also said he had informed President Tinubu about his political activities.
He argued that politicians should learn from one another and continue developing their skills.
According to him, political relevance ultimately depends on competence, relationships and the confidence of the people.
