The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed the commencement of political activities in Rivers State beginning from January 2026.

Wike made the statement when he addressed political stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of the state at the annual thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, Chibudom Nwuche, held in Ochigba community, Ahoada East LGA on Saturday.

The former governor of Rivers stressed that political activities would start again in January next year.

He stated, “And we are going forward from January next year. Let me inform you, we will start politics. Let me inform you, we will start what, politics.”

Speaking further, Wike berated some persons, accusing them of benefiting from the sacrifices made by others during the 2023 general elections without openly supporting President Bola Tinubu at the time.

According to the minister, when the political climate was tense during the electioneering period, many failed to publicly identify with Tinubu’s mandate.

Wike continued: “In that 2023, it was difficult for so many people to come out to say, vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“But, we did it, when it was tough for people to say on your mandate we stand. We stood firm and said on your mandate we stand.

“And to the glory of God, we stood and on your mandate we stand today is very strong.

“So, you are the ones who made the mandate to be strong as far as Rivers State is concerned.”

The FCT minister challenged those who have begun to praise Tinubu’s administration and declaring their allegiance to the President, asking where they were when support for Tinubu was highly needed in the 2023 election.

According to him, such persons did not openly declare their support for Tinubu, nor mobilised their followers to vote for him at the critical moment.

He, however, assured his supporters that their sacrifices during the 2023 electioneering process would not be forgotten.

Addressing concerns surrounding the much-publicised peace deal in Rivers State, Wike stressed that he would not be part of any agreement that could not be honoured.

He declared: “You know me, I believe in agreement is agreement. Agreement is what, agreement. Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it. Don’t enter into it.

“Nobody can use us to say let me say yes I agree, later. No, you can’t do that. Whatever you have agreed in the morning, you must agree in the night.”

Wike added: “If we did not shout that time and stand firm, will they have shouted now?”

The former governor of the state reiterated his political stance, saying that he is among the most politically criticised politicians in Nigeria, particularly because of his insistence on maintaining agreements.

Wike further restated his continued support for President Tinubu, insisting that he and his political associates remain committed to the president’s mandate.

The FCT minister thanked the people of Ahoada for their loyalty and support over the years, assuring them that there was no cause for alarm.

The minister added that he would further speak at the appropriate time. (The Sun)