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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has explained how President Bola Tinubu secured victory in the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State.
According to Wike, the Ikwerre people played a key role in delivering the votes that gave Tinubu the win in the state.
He made the statement on Sunday while visiting Emohua and Ikwerre local government areas in Rivers State as part of his Christmas outreach.
Wike also stated that the Southern part of the country would determine its next political move after President Tinubu completes his second term in 2031.
He criticised people he described as “new supporters” who are now chanting the slogan “On your mandate, we shall stand.”
Wike said such individuals should respect earlier agreements, stressing that sudden loyalty would not deceive anyone.
He explained that his group had been supporting President Tinubu since 2023 and that changing slogans would not alter the facts.
According to him, true support is demonstrated during difficult times, not when success is already assured.
While speaking to the Ikwerre community, Wike reminded them of the risks they took by standing with Tinubu when many others were unsure about his chances.
He said the Ikwerre people supported Tinubu when it truly mattered and noted that the votes that gave Tinubu victory in Rivers State largely came from Ikwerre areas.
He added that real commitment means standing firm when challenges are high, not when everything has become easy. He stressed that the South must be allowed to complete eight years in power, regardless of political party, and that everyone should support President Tinubu to succeed.
Wike also noted that after 2031, when the South has completed its tenure through President Tinubu, the region will then decide on its next steps.
He said: “In 2023 when it was difficult, when people never knew that Mr President will emerge as President, all of us from Ikwerre stock knew politics is about risk, we know that, if you look at the votes that made him to win in Rivers, the votes were particularly from Ikwerre.
“When it mattered most, we stood on his mandate, not this people now coming to shout on your mandate, when it was important they couldn’t shout on your mandate.
“You take stands when things are tough, not when food is ready. We took this position when things were tough, and we are still standing by it.
“The South must complete their eight years, and completing the eight years it doesn’t matter which party we belong to give Mr. President the support to succeed.
“In 2031, after the South must have completed its eight years through President Tinubu, we will know what next.”
2023 presidential election: Wike reveals those behind Tinubu’s victory in Rivers
