In a fiery exchange, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a bold statement aimed at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who have thrown their weight behind Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike, never one to shy away from controversy, lashed out, declaring himself “bigger” than all the PDP governors combined.
During a grand reception hosted by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt, Wike’s comments came as a direct response to ongoing political friction within the PDP. Several prominent figures, including Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other members of the former G5, were in attendance. The event was initially meant to celebrate Wike, but it became a platform for the former Rivers State governor to assert his political dominance.
Wike’s Powerful Declaration: ‘I’m Too Big for Them
Wike did not mince words while addressing the crowd. With his characteristic bluntness, he made it clear that he is not fazed by those attempting to challenge his influence within the party. “Don’t ever think they are fighting me; they are not fighting me. I’m too big,” Wike said, dismissing any notion of his rivals gaining the upper hand.
He went further to claim that any governor who fails to recognize his stature in Nigerian politics must be out of touch with reality. “If you don’t recognize someone who is bigger than you, then you are sick. I’m far, far bigger than all of them put together,” Wike declared, drawing applause from his supporters.
A Brewing Power Struggle in the PDP
Wike’s outburst points to a deeper rift within the PDP, where loyalties have been split following his appointment as the FCT Minister by President Bola Tinubu. While some PDP governors, particularly those aligned with Siminalayi Fubara, have distanced themselves from Wike, others have continued to recognize his influence, despite his new role under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
The former G5 governors, once seen as a unified bloc with Wike, now find themselves in different political camps. Wike’s claims of superiority come amid rumors of behind-the-scenes struggles for control of party structures, especially in Rivers State. This clash over political relevance and power within the PDP is shaping up to be a long-term battle, with Wike standing his ground.
Empty Threats and Warnings: Wike’s Message to His Rivals**
As Wike continued to speak, he dismissed any threats posed by his rivals, calling them “empty” and insignificant. “Let nobody threaten anybody; all those threats are empty. Soon we will know who is relevant,” he said, implying that a political reckoning is on the horizon for those who have crossed him.
Wike’s statement, “You can have all the money; if it didn’t dey, it didn’t dey,” was a pointed reference to his belief that no amount of wealth or influence can usurp his hold on political structures, particularly in Rivers State. It was a stark reminder to his opponents that their efforts to challenge his dominance will ultimately prove futile.
What’s Next for the PDP and Wike’s Rivals?
As this political showdown unfolds, all eyes are on how the PDP governors and other key figures will respond. Will they challenge Wike’s claims of supremacy, or will they continue to back Governor Fubara and risk further alienation? Wike’s larger-than-life persona and fiery rhetoric suggest that this clash is far from over.
The coming months are likely to see more confrontations, both within the PDP and between Wike and those who seek to diminish his influence. For now, Wike has made his position clear: he is not just a major player in Nigerian politics, but a force to be reckoned with—one that no one should underestimate.
As the former Rivers governor continues to assert his dominance, the rest of Nigeria’s political landscape waits to see how his rivals will navigate the turbulent waters ahead. One thing is certain: Wike’s declaration that he is “too big” for them has set the stage for a dramatic and high-stakes political battle.
Peoplesmind