Wike to Opposition: Presidency Is ‘Not by Cho Cho Cho’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that becoming Nigeria’s president is not a matter of mere ambition, insisting that only those who are adequately prepared can aspire to the nation’s highest office.

Speaking during the commissioning of projects in the FCT, Wike dismissed what he described as the simplistic approach of some opposition figures seeking the presidency ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I have told people who say they want to be in power, it is not Cho Cho. To be president is not Cho Cho. You don’t just wake up in the morning and say you want to be president. No, it doesn’t happen that way. We are prepared, and the President (Bola Tinubu) is prepared,” he said.

The minister praised President Bola Tinubu for providing unwavering support to his administration in the FCT, stating that such backing has been instrumental in delivering infrastructure and development projects across the capital territory.

Reflecting on his experience as a former governor and current minister, Wike said effective governance depends significantly on the confidence and support of the president.

“I was a governor, and I am now a minister. Before you can perform as a minister, if you don’t have the President’s support, it is difficult. That is why every morning I tell my wife, she prays a lot; I don’t know how to pray very well. My own prayer is simply, ‘God, let me come back home safely.’ But I tell her, continue to pray that Mr President will not look away from us,” he said.

He added that President Tinubu has given the FCT Administration all the support required to transform the nation’s capital, pledging that his team would not disappoint the president.

Wike also celebrated what he described as a milestone in the administration’s infrastructure drive, announcing that the FCT had completed the official commissioning of its 50th project.

“This is the 50th official commissioning of projects. I’m talking about official commissioning alone, not the unofficial ones. Before January next year, by the grace of God, we will commission another 10 projects before campaigns begin,” he said.

The minister stressed that the essence of governance is improving the lives of citizens, arguing that governments can only be successful when the people are satisfied.

“When people are happy, those in authority will be happy. But when people are not happy, those in authority are bound not to be happy. Governance is about making people happy and improving their lives. That is what President Bola Tinubu is doing,” he said.

Addressing residents, Wike thanked the people of the FCT for their support and urged them to sustain it. He also referenced the recent Area Council elections, describing the victories recorded by candidates aligned with President Tinubu as an indication of public confidence in the administration.

“We will continue to do everything possible to make sure the people of the FCT are happy,” he said.