Wike Denies Secret Deal with President Tinubu
In recent months, speculations have swirled around the sudden alliance between Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, and President Bola Tinubu. As rumors spread about a secret arrangement between the two leaders, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come forward to address these allegations, clarifying his stance on his relationship with the President and his role in the 2023 presidential election.
Wike’s Clarification on Channels TV
Speaking on Channels Television's popular political program, Politics Today, Wike openly refuted claims that he had made a covert agreement with President Tinubu to support his presidential bid. The episode aired on Friday night, where Wike firmly stated, "I never had any bargain with Mr. President before I supported Mr. President."
His comments come as a direct response to months of speculation regarding his unexpected support for Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections. As a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike's decision to side with Tinubu, the candidate of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), raised eyebrows and ignited debates across political circles in Nigeria.
Allegations of a Secret Deal
The crux of the controversy stems from Wike’s membership in the PDP’s ‘G5’ group, a coalition of five influential governors within the party who refused to support the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. This group, also known as the "Integrity Group," comprised Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and Samuel Ortom of Benue State, alongside Wike.
These governors argued that their refusal to back Atiku was based on their demand for fairness and inclusivity within the party. Specifically, they insisted that the PDP should adhere to principles of power rotation, maintaining that the presidency should be zoned to the southern region of the country. When the PDP leadership declined their request, the G5 members sought alternative political pathways, leading to rumors of secret dealings and political alliances outside the party.
The appointment of Wike as Minister of the FCT by President Tinubu, shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2023, further intensified speculation of a secret pact. Many critics and political analysts viewed Wike’s ministerial role as a reward for his support during the elections. His appointment was seen as one of the most significant and strategic placements in the new administration, fueling suspicions that his defection from the PDP had been motivated by personal gain.
No Transactional Politics, Says Wike
In his interview, Wike dispelled these claims, emphasizing that his support for Tinubu was not transactional in nature. He maintained that his decision to back Tinubu was driven by his personal convictions and not by any prearranged agreement. "People have said many things, but I can assure you that there was no secret deal between me and Mr. President," Wike reiterated during the program.
His remarks are intended to clear the air surrounding his political choices and dismiss any notion that he had abandoned his party for personal enrichment or political favors. Instead, Wike framed his decision as one grounded in what he believed was best for Nigeria at the time.
The G5 Governors and the Road Ahead
The relationship between Wike and his fellow ‘G5’ governors—Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Samuel Ortom, and Seyi Makinde—played a pivotal role in shaping the political dynamics of the 2023 elections. The group’s rebellion against the PDP’s presidential candidate was a significant factor in reshaping the political landscape, with the G5 governors accused of undermining the party’s chances of victory.
Despite their collective decision not to support Atiku, the G5 governors have since taken divergent paths. While Wike has been appointed to a key ministerial position, others, such as Samuel Ortom, are now engaged in personal reflections on their political futures. The PDP, meanwhile, continues to grapple with the consequences of internal divisions exposed by the G5 rebellion.
Conclusion: Wike’s Future in Nigerian Politics
As Wike continues in his role as Minister of the FCT, his political future remains an area of intrigue. His decision to publicly deny any secret deal with President Tinubu may quell some of the speculation surrounding his actions, but it is unlikely to put the matter to rest entirely.
In the complex and often opaque world of Nigerian politics, alliances shift quickly, and public perception is difficult to manage. For now, Wike’s denial seeks to reinforce his commitment to service, but it is clear that his influence will continue to be a topic of discussion for the foreseeable future.
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