A True Leader Does Not Ask What He Gains From Office” — Wike Speaks On Leadership

Wike made the remarks during the 36th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt, where he emphasized that the country’s progress depends on leaders who prioritise the public good over individual interests.

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

He warned that corruption, abuse of office, and self-centered leadership have continued to weaken public institutions and hinder national development.

The minister challenged graduating students to pursue leadership roles defined by integrity, accountability, and courage.

“A true leader does not ask, ‘What do I gain from this office?’ but rather, ‘What do the people gain from my stewardship?’” he said.

Wike noted that leadership should be judged by its impact on citizens and the strength of the institutions it builds or leaves behind.

Meanwhile, the FCT Minister also commented on the 2027 presidential race, saying former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, made a wrong political decision by contesting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike said he would have advised Amaechi against joining the ADC contest if he had been consulted.

Recalling their political relationship, Wike noted that he once served as Chief of Staff to Amaechi when he was Governor of Rivers State.

He argued that the structure of the ADC made it clear the primary would not be conducted on a level playing field.

“I saw it coming. If he had spoken to me, I would have told him not to go there. There was no chance of transparency or fairness,” he said.

Wike alleged that the party structure was designed in favour of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

He further pointed to the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as ADC chairman as evidence of the direction of the party’s internal arrangements.

According to him, the structure reflected a well-organised political strategy that heavily favoured one side.

Wike maintained that Amaechi should have exercised greater caution before entering the race, insisting that the political environment within the ADC was predictable.

He concluded that the former minister was misled by growing public criticism of the current administration and rushed into a contest that was already structurally defined.