The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, made a bold declaration on Friday, asserting that President Bola Tinubu is set to remain in power until 2031. Wike’s claims came during a media briefing in Abuja, where he reflected on Tinubu’s near defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
Wike emphasized how the naira redesign and fuel crises, both orchestrated by the previous All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, appeared strategically designed to ensure Tinubu’s failure. “Whether APC liked it or not, it was very turbulent for Tinubu to have scaled through that election. You could see that he could have failed the election woefully. The fuel crisis, the naira issue was terrible,” he said.
The sheer frustration that many Nigerians felt during the naira redesign—an initiative that disrupted the financial landscape—was a painful reminder of the challenges ordinary citizens faced. Families struggled to access cash, with long lines at banks becoming a common sight. The cashless policy, pitched as a modern necessity, instead left many without the means to purchase everyday goods, exposing the vulnerability of an unprepared populace. Emefiele’s policies seemed disconnected from the realities on the ground, leading to further economic strain and uncertainty.
Wike’s comments also included a threat to withdraw his support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming FCT council elections if the party fails to rectify its internal issues. “If PDP does not put their house in order, I’m not going to support them in the area councils election. If PDP goes the way they are going, I will not support them,” he remarked.
He further asserted, “This crisis will consume this party until the right thing is being done. I have never recommended anybody to these governors but that does not mean that I don’t play any role.”
His remark that “I have said it in 2023 and I’m saying it again that until 2031, when the position should go to the North, there is nothing anybody will say to me now,” showcases Wike’s steadfastness in his political stance.
Wike’s perspective highlighted the complexities of political survival in turbulent times. Despite the adversities posed by the naira redesign and the cashless policy, which significantly impacted society at large, he noted the resilience required to navigate such challenges. “No party in government would at that time bring such a policy when you know you are running an election, but everything was done and he survived it,” Wike concluded, suggesting that those who succeed amidst turmoil possess an understanding of the political game—and perhaps, divine favor.
Wike’s endorsement and support for President Tinubu till 2031 may further pitch him against his party the PDP