In a wide-ranging and highly anticipated media chat, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, addressed the burning political issues gripping both his home state and the national scene — from the uneasy truce in Rivers State to the turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ambitions of opposition heavyweights preparing for 2027.
Wike spoke with trademark candour, dismissing allegations, challenging narratives, and exposing what he described as hypocrisy in the ranks of the opposition. His message: “I haven’t left PDP — but I won’t be used or silenced.”
Wike described the situation in Rivers State as largely peaceful, though he admitted it may not feel that way to those who once thrived in disorder.
“Peace doesn’t mean the absence of disagreement, but the people want peace. The noise is from those who have lost power or relevance — that’s the real issue,” he said.
He pointed to the unresolved local government crisis and questioned why constitutional provisions, including the Supreme Court ruling that bans caretaker committees, were being ignored.
“You cannot appoint caretakers without elections. Workers are suffering. No funds are getting to the local councils. That’s not governance.”
Wike addressed the power struggle tearing the PDP apart, particularly the emergence of factions loyal to different interests. He firmly rejected claims that he ordered security to block rival meetings, stating that all actions were taken in line with formal party requests.
“The party’s National Chairman and Secretary requested security for their caucus meeting. That’s the meeting that was recognised. People who tried to force another agenda got stopped — and now they’re crying foul.”
He accused some PDP leaders of abandoning the party only after they failed to control it.
“You didn’t get the secretary or chairman positions, so now you say Nigeria must be rescued? That’s not patriotism — it’s bitterness.”
Wike didn’t hold back when discussing the political alliance between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, both former presidential candidates and now collaborators in a bid to challenge the Tinubu administration.
“You were Vice President for eight years, and Nigeria entered massive debt under you. You were Minister for eight years, and nothing changed. Now that you’ve lost elections, suddenly Nigerians are angry?”
He accused the coalition leaders of using public sentiment as a cover for personal ambition.
“Don’t weaponize Nigerians’ pain. They didn’t just become angry — you failed to fix it when you had the chance.”
Critics have accused Wike of double-dealing — serving in an APC-led administration while holding PDP membership. He dismissed the criticism, calling it hypocritical.
“Many PDP governors and lawmakers supported Buhari in the past. So why is it wrong when I do it? I haven’t left the PDP. I still fight for what’s right within the party.”
He said Nigerians should be more concerned about performance, not party labels.
“What matters is delivery. If a policy works for Nigerians, I’ll support it, no matter who brings it.”
Wike called out politicians who, according to him, keep moving from party to party out of personal frustration.
“Some left PDP, joined APC, then went to ADC. It’s all because they couldn’t hijack the party. They say it’s about Nigeria — no, it’s about control.”
He said many defectors had no genuine ideology or service agenda, only grudges and ambitions.
“If you’re leaving, at least tell the truth. Don’t say it’s for the people when it’s just because you lost a convention fight.”
Wike wasn’t sparing with the public either. He said voters, too, must take responsibility for the leadership they elect.
“You vote based on religion and tribe, then complain when things go wrong. That’s not how you build a country.”
Asked if he would back the PDP in 2027, Wike said the decision would depend on who the party fields — and whether the candidate can offer credible leadership.
“Don’t ask me to choose sides without knowing the candidate. When the time comes, we’ll see who stands for truth and competence.”
From factional PDP tensions to Rivers politics and national coalitions, Wike remains one of the most vocal — and controversial — figures in Nigerian politics. He’s not declaring for 2027, nor is he stepping back. His message is clear: he will support good governance, stand against hypocrisy, and defend his legacy — both in the PDP and in Nigeria.
“I didn’t leave PDP. I fought. And I’m still fighting — because Nigeria is bigger than any coalition or convention.”