A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has criticised Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for what he sees as an ambiguous loyalty to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Cole, the APC’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, called for clarity about Wike’s political affiliation.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has become a controversial figure. During the 2023 presidential campaign he advocated zoning the presidency to the South, a stance that conflicted with his party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who hails from the North. After the election, President Bola Tinubu appointed Wike as a minister, prompting speculation about his true allegiance.
Cole’s remarks come as Wike publicly endorses President Tinubu’s bid for a second term, further raising doubts about his loyalty to the PDP. The APC recently won 20 of the 23 local‑government councils in Rivers State, leaving the PDP with only three, including Obio/Akpo—where Wike previously served as chairman.
These results underscore the APC’s growing influence in the region and cast uncertainty on the PDP’s future in the state and on Wike’s role within it. The episode highlights the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances and loyalties can shift rapidly. As the country navigates its political landscape, greater transparency and clarity about political affiliations and intentions are increasingly essential. The unfolding events in Rivers State are likely to have far‑reaching consequences for both state and national politics.
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