Wike’s Reckless Politics Threatens Nigeria’s Democracy

The Niger Delta Network, a civil‑advocacy organisation, has warned that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is acting with political recklessness that could jeopardise Rivers State, the wider Niger Delta region and Nigeria’s democracy. In a press statement the group argued that Wike’s conduct threatens party stability, regional peace and constitutional governance, and it portrays President Bola Tinubu as a weak leader who permits a serving minister to openly destabilise political institutions while remaining in office.

The statement, signed by National President Akparawa Emmanuel Sam and Director of Publicity John Douglas, notes that Wike’s actions now cut across party lines. Initially targeting the Peoples Democratic Party, he is now allegedly destabilising the All Progressives Congress. The Network questions whose interests Wike truly serves, accusing him of directing loyalists to defect to the APC in Rivers State in order to undermine the party rather than strengthen it, and alleging that he plans to sponsor another governorship candidate against the ruling party.

According to the group, Wike continues to assure President Tinubu of his loyalty while simultaneously taking actions that undermine both the party and the government. The crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly—marked by impeachment threats—is cited as an example of Wike’s influence. The Network claims that the ongoing crisis is “60 percent caused” by the governor’s defection to the APC and warns that a successful impeachment of Governor Fubara could trigger widespread instability across the Niger Delta, embolden political strongmen and deepen regional tension.

The Niger Delta Network argues that such an outcome would signal that no governor who defects to the APC is politically safe and that assurances from the party’s national leadership cannot be relied upon. It warns that the removal of Fubara would encourage Wike to seek political dominance in other Niger Delta states, ultimately threatening Nigeria’s democracy. The group urges President Tinubu to intervene and stop Wike’s alleged political recklessness, cautioning that failure to act could have serious national consequences.