The Mistake We Made In 2023 Will Not Be Repeated – Wike Vows Ahead Of 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to correct the mistake he made in Rivers State.

Wike made the declaration while speaking during a visit to Akuku-Toru and Degema Local Government Areas on Tuesday.

His vow comes amid renewed conflict with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike emphasised the importance of acknowledging past errors and taking corrective action.

According to him, “As for Rivers state, let me make it clear what’s important in life is that you make a mistake and come out to tell people, ‘I made a mistake, and therefore I want to correct the mistakes we made.

“The mistake we made in 2023 will not be repeated. Where we voted in the state is not where we will vote again in 2027.”

This comes after the minister declared “total support” for President Bola Tinubu, even as tensions brew between him and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Meanwhile, Wike has accused some political leaders of misleading  Fubara, insisting that a key political agreement reached before President Bola Tinubu must be respected.

Naija News reports that Wike spoke on Sunday while addressing supporters in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, asserting that the accord, signed amid a protracted crisis in the oil‑rich state, has been violated.

The FCT minister maintained that the agreement was endorsed by all relevant stakeholders, including former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, leaders of major political parties, and top officials

“People think they can just say anything in politics and it will not matter. It matters. If it did not matter yesterday, it will matter today, and if not today, it will matter tomorrow,” Wike said.

He accused unnamed political actors of intentionally misinforming the public after endorsing the agreement, describing such conduct as irresponsible and potentially destabilising.

Wike described Rivers State as a pivotal political force in the South‑South region and urged political leaders to uphold truth, especially on sensitive issues affecting peace and stability in the state.

He also recalled attempts by some factions to dismantle the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure during a past party convention, noting that those moves failed and have since proved fruitless.

“Political developments in the state have since shown the futility of those actions,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to equity, fairness and justice, Wike said his political decisions have been guided by principle rather than personal interest or party loyalty.

He commended the people of Ogu/Bolo for their consistent support over the years, particularly during critical political moments.

Wike also praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented appointments of Rivers State indigenes into key federal positions, adding that the President has demonstrated sincerity by honouring agreements reached with stakeholders.

Also at the event, George Sekibo, Chairman of the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress, criticised Governor Fubara, labelling him “ungrateful” and pledging support for Wike.

Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), assured Wike of the continued support of the Ogu/Bolo people. He commended the minister for facilitating significant appointments and development in the area.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Hon. Vincent Nemieboka, highlighted developmental projects attracted to the community by Wike and pledged the loyalty of the council and residents.

The gathering, attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, chiefs and other stakeholders, featured cultural and traditional displays to welcome the FCT minister and his entourage.