Public Office Is Not For Personal Gain – Wike Declares

According to IReporter Online, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace leadership as a platform for service rather than self-gratification.

Wike made the appeal while speaking at the 36th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt, where he stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on leaders who consistently prioritise public interest over personal ambition. He described leadership as a responsibility rooted in service to the people, not an opportunity for self-glorification.

“Leadership is service. It is not an avenue for self-glorification, but a covenant with the people,” Wike stated.

He further cautioned that corruption, abuse of power, and self-serving leadership have continued to weaken national institutions and hinder development. The Minister challenged graduating students to become future leaders defined by integrity, courage, and accountability, noting that leadership should ultimately be judged by its positive impact on citizens and the legacy it leaves behind.

In a related development, Wike also criticised former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his decision to contest the 2027 presidential primary under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a political miscalculation.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike said Amaechi should have sought his advice before joining the race, adding that he would have discouraged him from the move. He argued that the structure of the ADC made it unlikely for a fair and transparent primary process.

“Amaechi is my brother. I served as Chief of Staff in his government. When I saw that he was running with them, I knew what would happen. If he had called me, I would have said, ‘Don’t go there,’” Wike said.

He further alleged that the party structure appeared to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, pointing to the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as ADC chairman as evidence of a predetermined arrangement.

“When I saw the setup in ADC and saw David Mark there, I laughed… That set-up was Atiku’s set-up 100 per cent,” he added.

Wike maintained that Amaechi acted in haste and was influenced by widespread criticism of the current administration, warning that political decisions must be made with careful consideration rather than emotion.