FCT minister Nyesom Wike has pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid.

The FCT minister’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, said Mr Wike made the pledge on Saturday during a meeting with PDP stakeholders in Ochigba, Rivers.

Mr Wike attended an end-of-year thanksgiving service organised by former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, in Ahoada East LGA, Rivers.

Addressing stakeholders, Mr Wike said their struggle would not be in vain, urging them to continue supporting Tinubu despite what he described as intimidation in the state.

He recalled openly backing Mr Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, even when support was difficult in Rivers.

Mr Wike said he would continue supporting the President now that conditions were easier, stressing that early supporters were recognised after Tinubu’s victory.

“I want to thank you for standing with us all through these years. We know those who are ungrateful,” he said.

He said political courage was required in 2023, when many were unsure of Tinubu’s chances and feared openly supporting him.

“In politics, you must take a stand, believing that at the end of the day, it will be good. Now, it is good,” Mr Wike said.

He added that Rivers’ supporters made Mr Tinubu “stand strong” in the state when it was difficult to declare loyalty.

Wike assured supporters he respected agreements, saying, “When we take a decision, Nigerians know we have taken it.”

He said preparations for the 2027 general elections would begin in January, promising to honour all political agreements.

“Agreement is agreement. Anything you cannot do, don’t say it,” he told supporters.

Mr Wike dismissed critics chanting loyalty slogans, saying his camp acted “when it mattered most”.

“We are all in this till the end,” said Mr Wike.

(NAN)