The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, together with his running mate, Kashim Shettima, and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, paid a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. The meeting, attended by governors Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Babajide Olusola Sanwo‑Olu (Lagos), David Umahi (Ebonyi), former Ekiti governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of State for Petroleum Timipre Sylva, Tony Okocha and others, concluded with a statement signed by Wike’s Special Assistant, Kelbin Ebiri, and released to the press that evening.
During the discussion, Governor Wike urged Tinubu to press the federal government to ensure that the 2023 general election proceeds without interruption. He warned that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s blatant disregard for the Supreme Court’s order on the naira‑swap policy should alarm the APC‑led administration, especially as the elections approach. Wike expressed gratitude that the APC presidential rally in Rivers had been peaceful but voiced doubt about the federal government’s commitment to holding the elections amid the ongoing naira‑swap crisis. “Do you people really want this election to take place or not? Or do you have an agenda to truncate it? Look at what is happening in Oyo, Edo, Delta,” he said.
Wike condemned the abrupt naira redesign and its implementation by the Central Bank as a purely political maneuver, insisting that the ruling party must guarantee that the elections occur. “Nobody can solve the issue of corruption in two or three months; it is not possible. This is politically motivated,” he added. He also criticized Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele for flouting the Supreme Court’s judgment, asking, “How can a governor of a central bank disrespect the Supreme Court? Where has that happened in any democracy?” Wike emphasized that ignoring the Supreme Court’s order harms ordinary citizens.
Describing himself as an unrepentant member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike lamented that two PDP‑governed states, Bayelsa and Edo, had joined the federal government as defendants in the Supreme Court case challenging the naira‑swap policy. “For the first time I have seen a government procure opposition to defend a policy that is anti‑people. It is a big shame,” he said.
Despite political differences, Wike praised Tinubu’s steadfastness and loyalty to former President Muhammadu Buhari. He recalled a 2017‑2018 meeting in Paris with former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal and others, during which he was sent to persuade Tinubu to join the PDP. “You laughed and said you would remain with Buhari,” Wike recounted, describing Tinubu as a man of character and courage—qualities he believes Nigeria needs in its democratic journey. He wished Tinulu good luck and affirmed his support for fairness, equity and justice, noting that the G‑5 coalition “does not stand for anybody.”
Wike advised Tinulu and the APC leadership not to invest resources in the party’s candidates in Rivers, stating that none were likely to win seats in the general election. Earlier, Tinulu had explained that the courtesy call was motivated by his respect for Wike’s advocacy that power should rotate to the south. “Our courtesy call is out of the respect I have for you. You have worked hard, voiced your commitment to unity, and never advocated division,” Tinulu said, adding that his candidacy aligns with Wike’s long‑standing call for a southern turn in national leadership.
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