Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has made a bold declaration concerning the political landscape of Rivers State, asserting that no candidate can secure an electoral victory there without the support of his political camp.
Grassroots Control is Non-Negotiable
Speaking during his end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt on Monday, the former Rivers State governor insisted that his supporters are the ones who control the crucial local government and ward structures across the state. This grassroots network, according to Wike, is the indispensable key to any successful election campaign in Rivers.
He directly addressed the recent defection of the state's governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike dismissed the notion that this move automatically makes Fubara the party leader in Rivers, arguing that political conventions have exceptions.
"Defecting to another party does not make you the leader," Wike stated. He posed a rhetorical question to drive his point home: "Who is the leader of APC in Lagos State? There are exceptions to rules." He emphasized that to claim leadership, one must have something substantial to offer the party.
Wike Fires Back at Makinde's Allegations
The FCT minister also used the platform to respond forcefully to claims made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Makinde had alleged that Wike promised to weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to favour President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike described this accusation as a "blatant lie," stressing that no such meeting ever took place. He challenged the basis of Makinde's claim, asking why the Oyo governor failed to report such a significant agreement to the PDP leadership if it were true.
"What was the purpose of that meeting? Why did Makinde not come out to tell the party that this is what Wike said? There was no such meeting," he stated categorically.
Wike clarified that the only gathering involving Makinde and some other PDP governors after the 2023 polls was a courtesy visit to President Tinubu, which included former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okeanyi Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu). He described Makinde's narrative as misleading and unfair, attributing it to frustration.
Politics is Not Like a Contract
In a pointed critique of Makinde's political approach, Wike suggested the Oyo governor lacks a full understanding of the game's complexities. "We have advised him several times. Politics is not like being a contractor with Shell. It has different rules," Wike remarked.
While acknowledging that political ambition is legitimate, the FCT minister stressed that such aspirations must align with established party processes and norms. "There is nothing wrong with having ambition," he concluded, "but your ambition must be according to the rules."
Wike's comments underscore the ongoing tensions within the PDP and highlight his continued influence in Rivers State politics, even from his position in the federal cabinet. His insistence on the primacy of grassroots structures sets the stage for future political battles in the oil-rich state.
