Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed the political value of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara’s recent alliance claims, suggesting that key figures recently switching to the All Progressives Congress (APC) lack significant electoral influence.
Speaking at a New Year banquet in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara announced that prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts—including Prince Uche Secondus, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Alabo Abiye Sekibo, and former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia—have withdrawn support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to back President Bola Tinubu and his administration.
Responding during a political gathering in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area on Sunday, Wike questioned the effectiveness of the defectors. The FCT Minister noted that the individuals in question failed to deliver even 10 percent of the required votes for Atiku during the 2023 presidential election.
“They couldn’t give Atiku 10% in 2023, so what is the political advantage?” Wike asked the crowd, without naming specific individuals. He emphasized that despite any perceived internal rifts, he and his allies remain committed to ensuring President Tinubu secures victory in the 2027 general election.
“We will do all we can to see that we give Tinubu the total support that is required,” Wike stated.
The FCT Minister also used the address to rebut criticism from the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Mbata, who had recently described Wike as a “semi-illiterate.”
Wike defended his educational background and professional standing, contrasting his own academic success with what he described as the failures of his detractors. He highlighted his graduation from the University of Port Harcourt, his subsequent attendance at law school, and his elevation to the status of a Life Bencher. He further noted that he has received one of Nigeria’s highest national honors, challenging the narrative of his alleged lack of education.
The exchanges highlight the intensifying political maneuvering within Rivers State and the broader Nigerian political landscape as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.
