A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his perceived ambiguous loyalty to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Cole, who was the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State in 2023, emphasized the need for clarity regarding Wike’s political affiliation.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has been at the center of controversy due to his actions, which some interpret as conflicting with his party’s stance. During the 2023 presidential election campaign, he advocated for the presidency to be zoned to the South, contrary to his party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who is from the North. Subsequently, Wike was appointed as a minister by President Bola Tinubu, sparking speculation about his allegiance.
Cole’s remarks come amidst Wike’s public endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term bid, further fueling concerns about his loyalty to the PDP. The APC recently won 20 out of 23 local government councils in Rivers State, with the PDP securing only three councils, including Obio/Akpo, where Wike previously served as chairman.
The development has significant implications for the political landscape in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State. The APC’s dominance in the local government elections may be seen as a reflection of the party’s growing influence in the region. Wike’s actions, on the other hand, have raised questions about the future of the PDP in the state and his role within the party.
The situation highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics, where alliances and loyalties can shift rapidly. As the country navigates its political landscape, the need for transparency and clarity regarding political affiliations and intentions has become increasingly important. The unfolding events in Rivers State are likely to have far-reaching consequences for the state’s political dynamics and the broader Nigerian political scene.
