”Dare PDP To Suspend Me!” – Wike Backs Tinubu, Sets Party On FireA storm is brewing within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a bold and controversial move by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who openly pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid—despite remaining a top figure in the opposition party.
During an unfiltered media chat in Abuja, Wike made his intentions clear:
“I will support Tinubu for a second term, and I will lead the campaign in Rivers. I am a politician who says it the way it is.”
The declaration has sent shockwaves through the PDP, sparking outrage among party loyalists and renewing concerns over internal discipline, loyalty, and the unity of Nigeria’s opposition bloc ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers State and key PDP powerbroker, appeared unbothered by the backlash.
“I am not a liability. I am an asset, whether you like it or not,” he said, daring the party to take action.
Political analysts are divided—some see Wike’s move as strategic power play, while others view it as outright sabotage from within.
Despite mounting pressure from party members to sanction Wike, PDP leaders appear hesitant.
Umar Bature, the party’s National Organising Secretary, downplayed calls for expulsion:
“Who will remove him? He’s expressed his view. We don’t need to fuel unnecessary conflict.”
Meanwhile, Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, dismissed Wike entirely:
“Wike’s utterances don’t deserve the attention of serious-minded party faithful. He’s irrelevant.”
Yet, the contradiction reflects a deeper dilemma within the PDP—whether to rein Wike in or keep him close to avoid fracturing the party further.
In the same media chat, Wike issued a direct challenge:
“I dare anybody in the PDP to suspend me, and they will see.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu, citing gratitude for his ministerial appointment:
“Tinubu made me FCT Minister. I will not allow anyone to destroy our political structure. I have character.”
Opposition Cries Foul Over Alleged Sabotage
Outside the PDP, the backlash was just as intense. Critics described Wike as a political double agent.
Ikenga Ugochinyere, a leader in the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), called him a “hatchet man” for Tinubu:
“He’s not a true member of the PDP. He’s an agent to watch.”
Ladipo Johnson, spokesperson for the NNPP, remained defiant:
“Tinubu’s re-election is far from certain. In 2027, Nigerians will ask themselves if they’re better off than they were in January 2023.”
Still, insiders worry Wike’s actions could further divide the opposition and ease Tinubu’s path to a second term.
A PDP insider told Vanguard:
“Wike forces us to confront our internal disunity. If we don’t fix this, we risk handing Tinubu an easy victory in 2027.”
Elder statesman Chief Bode George didn’t mince words, calling Wike’s defiance a disgrace:
“He’s the same age as my first child. For him to say the PDP didn’t make him is a disgusting abomination.”
While some in the PDP push for the expulsion of Wike and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, others fear the political consequences.
“Wike’s grip on Rivers is undeniable. Expelling him could do more harm than good,” a senior PDP figure warned.
As the party weighs its next move, one thing is certain—Wike has once again thrust himself into the center of Nigeria’s political drama, and the PDP is struggling to respond.