***Demand Wike’s Removal as FCT Minister
**Give Wike 48hours to tender apology to Leaders of Niger Delta
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) youth leadership has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, poses a serious threat to his political future, particularly in the 2027 elections.
The group has given Wike a 48-hour ultimatum to publicly apologize for allegedly disrespecting Niger Delta leaders. They have also urged President Tinubu to remove him from office immediately, citing his divisive politics and disregard for key stakeholders in the Niger Delta and South-South region.
At a press conference led by National Youth Leader Don Ben Donyegha, Assistant National Youth Leader Comrade Mathew Digi, and National Coordinator for Youth Affairs Hon. Prince Oleh Victor, the youth leaders condemned Wike’s actions. They accused him of alienating respected figures, including traditional rulers, elder statesmen, and political allies who were instrumental in his political rise.
The PANDEF youth leaders criticized Wike’s history of public humiliation and verbal attacks against notable Niger Delta figures, including elder statesman Papa Edwin Clark. They accused him of manipulating lawmakers, inciting conflicts, and fostering political instability in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta.
“Wike’s continued arrogance, reckless utterances, and betrayal of those who once supported him are making him a liability to this administration. His recent insults directed at Niger Delta leaders who visited President Tinubu for peace talks are unacceptable. He branded them as mere opportunists when, in reality, they have been working to ensure stability in the region,” Donyegha stated.
The youth leaders further alleged that Wike’s behavior has been exacerbated by alcohol abuse, making him a threat to peace and development in the Niger Delta. They accused him of undermining peace efforts, dismissing a recent delegation of Niger Delta leaders as individuals seeking financial gain—a claim they found deeply offensive.
The group expressed strong disapproval of Wike’s treatment of elder statesmen, recalling how he once knelt before Edwin Clark to seek support for his gubernatorial ambition, only to later insult him. They declared that Wike would never attain Clark’s stature and legacy.
Additionally, the youth leaders accused Wike of corruption, alleging that he has been illegally acquiring and selling land in the FCT to finance his political battles. They warned that his actions could erode Tinubu’s goodwill in the Niger Delta and South-South regions, which are crucial for securing re-election in 2027.
“We are putting the President on notice: Wike is not building support for you; he is creating enemies. His toxic politics will cost you dearly in the next election if he remains in your cabinet. His removal as FCT Minister is necessary to restore trust and maintain the support of the Niger Delta people,” Hon. Prince Oleh Victor added.
The PANDEF youth leaders warned that if Wike fails to issue a public apology within 48 hours, they will mobilize mass action to demand his removal from office.
“We will not sit back and allow a man who thrives on conflict to destabilize our region and undermine our leadership. If President Tinubu wants peace and support from the South-South, he must act now,” Comrade Mathew Digi stated.
The youth leaders also criticized Wike’s past conduct as Rivers State governor, recalling incidents where he publicly humiliated Ogoni leaders and disrespected traditional rulers. They urged him to learn from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom they praised for demonstrating true leadership and maturity.
Reaffirming their commitment to the stability of the Niger Delta, the PANDEF Youth Wing called for immediate government intervention. They concluded by warning that Wike has “bitten off more than he can chew” and must be held accountable for his actions.