The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has pledged his continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

The Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said Mr. Wike made the pledge on Saturday while meeting stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ochigba, Rivers State.

Mr. Wike attended an end-of-year thanksgiving service organised by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Chibudom Nwuche, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.

Addressing party stakeholders, the minister said their political struggle would not be in vain, urging them to continue supporting President Tinubu despite what he described as intimidation within Rivers State.

He recalled openly backing Mr. Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, even when doing so was politically difficult in the state.

According to him, he would continue supporting the President now that political conditions were easier, noting that early supporters were recognised following Mr. Tinubu’s victory.

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

He stressed that political courage was required in 2023, when many were uncertain about Mr. Tinubu’s chances and were afraid to openly declare their support.

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

Mr. Wike added that Rivers supporters helped Mr. Tinubu “stand strong” in the state when it was difficult to publicly declare loyalty.

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

The minister disclosed that preparations for the 2027 general elections would commence in January, promising to honour all existing political agreements.

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

Mr. Wike also dismissed critics chanting loyalty slogans, insisting that his political camp acted “when it mattered most”.

Reaffirming his position, he said: “We are all in this till the end.”