Benin City, Edo State — Senator Adams Oshiomhole has publicly expressed gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for standing by him during what he described as a period of political isolation following his removal as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The senator representing Edo North made the remarks in Benin City at the official distribution of 54 construction machines to the 18 local government councils in Edo State. Reflecting on the events surrounding his exit from the party’s national leadership, Oshiomhole said many members of his political family distanced themselves from him at the time.
According to him, associates avoided visiting or openly identifying with him for fear of being accused of anti-party activities.
He disclosed that Wike, despite political differences, reached out to him during that period and invited him to Port Harcourt to commission a flyover project. Oshiomhole described the gesture as significant, adding that he was later conferred with the highest honour of Rivers State.
The former Edo governor noted that although Wike once joked about having “celebrated” his political setback, the FCT minister ultimately restored his confidence during a challenging time.
Oshiomhole also praised Wike’s political leadership and performance, particularly referencing the recent local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory. He commended the minister’s influence and described him as a transformative figure in Abuja’s development landscape.
He further characterized Wike as the first individual from the South-South geopolitical zone to serve as FCT minister in a manner that, in his view, has redefined governance and infrastructure development in the capital.
The senator also acknowledged the cordial relationship between the FCT minister and Edo State leadership, congratulating both parties for maintaining a constructive partnership.
The event in Benin City marked the formal handover of heavy-duty equipment intended to enhance grassroots infrastructure development across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Comments