Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed assertions that he is covertly supporting President Bola Tinubu, stressing that his political position has always been transparent and consistent.
The former Rivers State Governor made the remarks in response to comments attributed to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who suggested that some politicians were forming “secret” alliances.
Earlier this month, Fubara officially left the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress after a private meeting with the President in Abuja, a move widely seen as a strategic effort to secure political cover ahead of the next election.
During the inauguration of the extension of the dualization of Ahoada-Omoku Road on December 10, Fubara unveiled a new praise song for the President and told supporters, “If you dey support Tinubu, no follow corner. We support Tinubu, we no dey follow corner,” directing a singer to perform it.
Speaking in an end-of-year media briefing on Monday in Port Harcourt, Wike insisted there was nothing secretive about his support for Tinubu.
“I don’t know who is supporting Tinubu that is doing corner-corner. The whole of Nigeria knows that I’m the number one supporter of Tinubu.
“What is corner-corner when I have stated openly that this is what I will do?” he asked.
He acknowledged that he had faced criticism from within the PDP for his stance, but framed it as a matter of principle.
“When the whole PDP accused me that I am working for Tinubu, how could that be corner-corner?” he asked.
The FCT minister emphasised that his political approach is rooted in transparency and adherence to commitments.
“Why most people don’t trust politicians is that people don’t keep to their word. I don’t want to be that politician. Once I say this is what I will do, I will do it,” he said.
Wike also addressed reports of tension in Rivers State political circles, particularly allegations that he had interfered in meetings involving the governor and the state legislature.
“The governor cannot say that I have not brokered meetings between the speaker and the leadership of the House. He cannot also say that I have not brokered meetings between the elders, which he attended,’’ he said.
The minister noted that some issues are better handled privately.
“There are things that shouldn’t come to national television. We should act like mature people,” he said.
While acknowledging friction, Wike stressed that political disagreements are normal.
“In politics, all can never be well. But that does not mean people are fighting,” he said.