President-elect Bola Tinubu (APC) has disclosed that Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike, significantly contributed to his victory in the February 25 presidential election.
Wike and Tinubu belong in rival political camps.
Wike (PDP) had sensationally dumped his party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the general election and after he lost the party’s presidential ticket at the primary election.
He had also forged a group of five rebellious governors of the PDP who pulled out all the stops to make life difficult for Atiku and derailed his pathway to the presidency.
Wike also went all out against Atiku after the latter failed to pick him as running mate, settling instead for Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Wike sensationally and controversially delivered his State of Rivers–for many years a PDP stronghold–to Tinubu’s APC.
Speaking today in Rivers where he’s a guest of Wike as he commissions a few projects, Tinubu appreciated Wike for playing the role of spoiler in his political party.
“If you talk of character, you can very well say that Your Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, you are very dependable,” Tinubu said.
“It is an honour and privilege to be in your midst today. I am a very happy man because I went through a gruesome campaign, fought hard, supported by many of you and I won. Fair and square.
“Nyesom, I say thank you for your contribution to my victory. I couldn’t have done it without some structural support.
“In his Excellency, I see a man of principles. He took a principled stance that the presidency must return to the South and he had the courage to stand by his convictions, not minding whose Ox is gored. He is indeed a man of great integrity. He did not choose to serve his own interest.
“You served the interest of the nation. You promoted unity, you promoted fairness, you championed justice. Thank You.
“There was so much gossip and speculations, but you stood your grounds,” Tinubu added.
The President-elect will be inaugurated as Nigeria’s 16th leader on May 29, 2023.
Wike has declared today a Public Holiday in Rivers in honour of Tinubu’s visit.