Wike Defends Tinubu's Reforms, Discusses Subsidy Impact

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, revealed during a media chat in Abuja that before the removal of the petrol subsidy, governors were compelled to seek loans from banks to fund projects in their states. He described the subsidy removal as one of the boldest economic reforms by any Nigerian president in decades, asserting that it had temporarily caused hardship but ultimately strengthened state finances and improved infrastructure funding.

Wike recounted his experiences as a governor, stating he had to kneel before bank managers for loans, highlighting the severe financial strain caused by the subsidy, which he termed a "cankerworm." He emphasized that economic recovery from long-standing issues would take time. Furthermore, Wike declared that President Tinubu was the only candidate capable of winning Rivers State in the 2027 elections, urging political observers to exclude Rivers from their calculations unless considering votes for Tinubu.

He announced a coalition of various political parties, including the PDP, APC, LP, and AA, to support Tinubu's re-election.