Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appealed to Nigerians to maintain their support for President Bola Tinubu’s government, cautioning voters against placing their political future in the hands of individuals he described as opportunistic politicians and habitual presidential aspirants.
According to Channels Television, Wike made the remarks on Sunday, October 18, 2026, during a town hall gathering with traditional leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Addressing participants at the meeting, the minister advocated the continuation of Tinubu’s administration, arguing that maintaining the current government’s policies would contribute to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
He maintained that the economic changes introduced by the federal government required sufficient time to deliver their intended benefits, urging citizens to remain committed to the administration’s reform programme.
Revisiting the 2023 general elections, Wike reminded residents of the political advice he had offered them before the polls. He noted that although some people had reservations about the decision at the time, subsequent developments had strengthened his confidence in the choice they made.
The minister explained that he had previously encouraged the people to follow the political direction he considered appropriate, even when the circumstances appeared challenging and the outcome remained uncertain.
“I want to beg you in the name of God. I want to beg you in the name of God when in 2023 I came here agreed with you. I said listen no matter how difficult it may sound no matter how we think and watch it is better for us to go the way I was going. So many people were we are afraid but to the glory of God we can see that we never made a mistake,” Wike said.
The FCT minister subsequently criticised politicians who have repeatedly sought the presidency, singling out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has contested or pursued the presidential ticket on several occasions.
Wike cautioned voters against supporting candidates whom he accused of prioritising personal interests over the welfare of citizens.
According to him, politicians who spend substantial resources pursuing presidential ambitions could focus on recovering their campaign expenses if they eventually secure public office, rather than concentrating on addressing the country’s challenges.
He therefore urged Nigerians to carefully examine the intentions and track records of presidential aspirants before deciding whom to support in future elections.
“Now do not put your destiny into the hand of political gamblers. Do not put your destiny in the hand of political players. Look at a man who has run for president for 8 years. Atiku Abubakar has ran for president for 8 years. Every time he will try, every time he will try now let me tell you if you do make mistake and support him what he will do first all the money he has spent for those eight years or eight times he has ran he will first recover all the money so we call them political gamblers,” he added.
Wike’s comments come as political activities surrounding the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum, with parties and prospective candidates positioning themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
His remarks also reinforce his appeal for continuity under Tinubu, while presenting his criticism of repeated presidential bids as a warning against placing the country’s future in the hands of politicians he considers driven by personal ambition.
However, his statements represent his own political assessment of the candidates and the federal government’s direction.
