Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed suggestions that his political relevance depends entirely on his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike said political influence is not necessarily tied to occupying a government position.
He spoke during an interview while responding to questions about his political future, his relationship with Tinubu and the criticism he has received from some political figures.
‘You Don’t Have to Hold Office’
Wike said a politician does not have to occupy a powerful government position to remain relevant.
According to him, what matters is how a politician relates to the people and how the people view his leadership.
“For you to be relevant, must you occupy a position of authority? No, certainly not.”
He said some politicians wrongly assume that their influence disappears once they leave office.
Wike disagreed with that view.
He pointed to Rivers State and urged critics to judge his political influence by what residents see on the ground.
“People can say whatever they want, but the people themselves know what they are seeing,” he said.
Wike Defends Tinubu Relationship
The FCT minister also addressed his close political relationship with President Tinubu.
He said nothing that happened after the election had changed that relationship.
Wike maintained that Tinubu knows what he does and understands his political activities.
He said his contribution to the President goes beyond elections.
According to Wike, he also works to ensure that his political relevance cannot simply be ignored in the country.
Why Wike Supported Tinubu
Wike recalled his decision to support Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.
He said he and other political figures met with Tinubu and openly informed him of their decision.
Wike said he had never hidden his position.
He also argued that supporting Tinubu for president did not mean that he had to support APC candidates in every other election.
‘I Can Convince My People’
Wike also defended his ability to influence voters in Rivers State.
He said political parties that cannot convince their members should address their own problems.
“I can convince my people,” he said.
The former Rivers governor added that his experience in government had helped him understand what people expect from their leaders.
He argued that a leader who understands the needs of the people can achieve results with their support.
Wike Rejects Political Interference Claims
The minister also rejected claims that his political activities amount to interference in state affairs.
He said being a public official does not mean he should stop taking responsibility for issues affecting his state.
Wike argued that he could not simply provide resources or support without being accountable for his actions.
He also cited politicians from other parties who support President Tinubu while remaining outside the APC.
According to him, this shows that supporting a president does not automatically require political alignment at every level.
‘The Important Thing Is the Result’
Wike further defended his role in the 2023 presidential election.
He said some politicians had previously questioned whether he could contribute to Tinubu’s success.
According to him, some of those same politicians later claimed credit for the election result.
Wike said the focus should instead be on the outcome of the election.
“The important thing is the result.”
Wike on His Political Future
Asked what political leverage he would have if Tinubu wins another term in 2027, Wike said his relevance would not depend on remaining in office.
He acknowledged that a second term would be Tinubu’s final constitutional term.
However, he said political relevance can continue without holding a position of authority.
Wike also thanked Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve as a minister.
He said politicians must continue to develop their skills and learn from others.
