“Wike Stood by Me When I Was Politically Isolated” — Oshiomhole

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stood by him during a difficult period after his removal as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

Oshiomhole made the remarks on Monday in Benin City at the distribution of 54 construction machines to the 18 local government areas of Edo State. Reflecting on the aftermath of his exit from the party’s national leadership, the lawmaker representing Edo North said he was largely shunned by party members.

He stated that many colleagues avoided him at the time, fearing their association could be interpreted as disloyalty to the party.

According to Oshiomhole, Wike contacted him when others kept their distance and invited him to Port Harcourt to commission a flyover project. He added that the FCT minister later conferred on him the highest honour of Rivers State.

The senator said the gesture helped restore his confidence during a challenging phase of his political career.

Oshiomhole also praised Wike’s political leadership, referring to the recent local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory where the minister’s party placed second behind the APC. He described the outcome as evidence of Wike’s organisational strength.

He further noted that Wike is the first politician from the South-South to serve as FCT minister, commending his approach to infrastructure and urban development in Abuja.

Oshiomhole concluded by acknowledging the relationship between Wike and Edo State leaders, thanking the state government for maintaining cooperation with the FCT administration.