Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that while he enjoys long-standing relationships with Igbo people across Nigeria, he will not assume an ethnic identity that does not belong to him. He dismissed claims that his political actions are motivated by ethnic bias, insisting that his positions are guided by principle, history, and personal identity.
According to a report by Daily Post on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Wike made the remarks during his thank-you tour of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The visit formed part of his engagements with party faithful, traditional rulers, and residents following recent political developments in the state.
Addressing the gathering, the former Rivers State governor explained that his political career has been built on cooperation with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including the Igbo. However, he stressed that such cooperation should not be mistaken for ethnic assimilation or formal membership in any socio-cultural organisation.
Wike made it clear that he is not a member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, and has never claimed to represent the organisation or speak on its behalf. He said his engagement with Igbo communities over the years has been rooted in mutual respect, shared political interests, and long-standing personal relationships.
“I have always related well with the Igbos, and that relationship continues,” Wike said. “But I won’t claim what I’m not. I won’t change my identity.”
The minister used the opportunity to criticise comments attributed to the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Mbata, which he said misrepresented the ethnic identity and political stance of the Ikwerre people in Rivers State. According to Wike, Mbata’s remarks suggested that Ikwerre people should be classified as Igbo, a position he said has been firmly rejected by the Ikwerre leadership.
Wike accused Mbata of overstepping his boundaries by making statements that implied authority over Ikwerre affairs and Rivers State politics. He further alleged that Mbata had acted on the assumption that he could influence Southeast governors and mobilise political support on behalf of certain individuals.
“On Mbata’s support for Fubara for a second term, he doesn’t speak for Ikwerre people,” Wike stated. “He may speak for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and we have no problem with that. But we have related with the Igbos, and I won’t claim what I’m not. I won’t change my identity as an Ikwerre man.”
The FCT minister revealed that traditional rulers, elders, and political leaders in Ikwerre land had responded strongly to Mbata’s comments by declaring him persona non grata. According to Wike, the decision was taken collectively as a way of defending the cultural heritage and historical identity of the Ikwerre people.
He explained that the Ikwerre reaction was not an attack on the Igbo ethnic group but a firm rejection of any attempt to redefine their identity without consent. Wike emphasized that peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups must be built on respect for differences rather than forced classifications.
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