Wike to rivals: Singing Tinubu’s ‘on your mandate’ now won’t change past deals

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned politicians he described as “emergency singers” of the slogan “on your mandate, we shall stand” to respect political agreements instead of trying to gain favor through sudden shows of loyalty.

Wike said no one can deceive them by pretending to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu only now, stressing that he and his allies have backed the President consistently since 2023.

“For us, agreement is agreement,” he said.

“You can be singing on your mandate we shall stand in support of President Tinubu, which is good — but your new sloganeering will not help you.”

The minister spoke on Sunday during Christmas visits to Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

Addressing the people of Ikwerre, Wike recalled how they supported Tinubu when it was uncertain he would win the presidency, insisting that politics involves taking risks.

“In 2023, when it was difficult and many doubted he would emerge, we stood by him,” Wike said.

“If you check the votes that made him win in Rivers, a large part came from Ikwerre.”

He criticized those now chanting support after the victory had already been secured.

“You take a stand when things are tough, not when everything is already ready,” he added.

“We supported him then, and we are still standing by that position.”

Wike also maintained that the South should complete its eight years through President Tinubu’s tenure, saying that after 2031, political stakeholders would decide what comes next.