Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has emphatically refuted allegations of corruption, specifically addressing claims regarding his ownership of a Rolls-Royce luxury vehicle. Wike asserted that he acquired the car with his personal funds, staunchly denying any involvement of bribes, political influence, or contractor gifts. This assertion was made during an interview on Channels Television’s "Politics Today," where he responded to critics questioning his wealth and assets.

Wike clarified that his financial standing significantly predates his entry into public office, emphasizing that he did not come from an impoverished background. He detailed his upbringing, stating that his father served as a general manager for multiple companies, and he himself drove a Mercedes-Benz as a student. "I didn't come from the same background as Rotimi Amaechi," Wike stated, suggesting a stark contrast in their origins. While acknowledging that his wealth is not comparable to billionaires like the Dangotes, he maintained that his family was comfortably well-off.

A significant portion of Wike's defense involved directly challenging his predecessor and long-standing political rival, Rotimi Amaechi. Wike accused Amaechi of orchestrating false allegations out of envy and misinformation. He countered Amaechi's criticisms by labeling him a hypocrite, pointing out that Amaechi, despite portraying himself as modest, owns numerous mansions in upscale areas like Port Harcourt, Abuja's GRA, and Guzape. Wike alleged that it was Amaechi, not him, who accepted a car from a contractor as a bribe, further suggesting that Amaechi's anger stems from his own inability to conceal his "shady dealings." He went as far as to describe Amaechi as "one of the most corrupt people" and a "big liar" for claiming indifference to money, arguing that everyone needs money for basic needs like family care and school fees.

The FCT Minister also addressed general criticisms about his property ownership, arguing that it is a natural outcome of his extensive public service career, having served as a Speaker for four years and a Governor for eight years. He attributed his success and accumulated assets to hard work and a structured upbringing, distinguishing his trajectory from that of his opponents. Furthermore, Wike challenged anyone to prove his corruption in court, asserting that no legal conviction has ever been made against him.

The political feud extended to personal remarks when Wike criticized Amaechi for referring to his wife as an "industrialist," insisting she is a "trader." Wike viewed Amaechi's public comment as an "insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians" and a lack of respect for women, stating that he himself would never bring his wife into public discussions in such a manner if he truly loved her.

In a related claim, Wike revisited his crucial role in Amaechi's political ascent, stating that he "risked his life" and "invested everything" to ensure Amaechi became Rivers State Governor in 2007. He alleged that Amaechi later attempted to politically sideline him, mistakenly believing he was doing Wike a favor.

Wike further challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the forensic audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), initiated by the Federal Government in 2021. He vowed to resign from his position as FCT Minister if the document does not corroborate his accusations, signaling his confidence in the report's potential to expose certain individuals. Beyond his personal defense, Wike also dismissed the electoral relevance of newly formed opposition coalitions like the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), criticizing politicians who abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and accusing critics of the Tinubu administration, including Amaechi, of being responsible for Nigeria's current economic challenges.