Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has taken a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), comparing the party’s fallout with Nyesom Wike to a football club giving away its best player to a rival without asking for a transfer fee.
Oshiomhole made the remark on Friday during a New Year luncheon organized by Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at his residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The former Edo State Governor praised Wike’s commitment to his ministerial duties under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government and expressed gratitude to the PDP for “gifting” Wike to their party without any compensation.
A Political “Transfer” Without Payment
In his speech, Oshiomhole drew a playful analogy between politics and football, highlighting how unusual it is for a club to give away its top player for free.
“Thank you to PDP for giving us Nyesom Wike to help us fix Abuja,” Oshiomhole said. “I don’t belong to any football club, I only belong to Bendel Insurance, but I listen to those who are Manchester United fans and all. When you are giving your best player to another club, you pay heavily.”
The PDP faced internal turmoil in the lead-up to the 2023 general election, particularly over its presidential ticket, which led to Wike’s fallout with the party leadership. His unofficial backing of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC candidate who went on to win the presidency, was seen as a betrayal by his party.
Though Wike remains a PDP member, his ministerial appointment by President Tinubu is widely seen as a reward for his support. The situation has left political observers speculating about Wike’s future in the PDP.
APC Won’t Return Wike to PDP
Oshiomhole hinted that the APC would prefer to retain Wike, given his impressive performance as FCT Minister, and joked that the APC would “create a toll gate” to prevent his return to the PDP.
“Thank you for what you’re helping us in APC to do. PDP Rivers led you to us without asking for a transfer fee. We may not be happy to return you. We would even create a toll gate to prevent that.”
Praise for Wike’s Performance as FCT Minister
Oshiomhole applauded Wike’s dedication to transforming Abuja, noting that his enforcement of environmental laws and urban planning regulations has been commendable.
“Tonight, we are celebrating a Nigerian who is adding value to the FCT, who is showing that there has to be the rule of law, and that we must respect certain environmental laws.”
He noted that Wike is not afraid to step on toes to achieve his goals and commended his efforts to instill discipline in the nation’s capital.
“Thank you for what you are doing in Nigeria; thank you for what you are doing in Abuja. We know you will step on toes, but it is all part of setting things right.”
Wike’s Role in Nigerian Politics
Wike, known for his outspoken nature and hardline stance on governance, has been a controversial figure in Nigerian politics. His appointment as FCT Minister marked a significant milestone, as he became one of the few opposition members to hold a top ministerial position in the ruling government.
Political analysts see Wike’s role in the APC government as a strategic move by Tinubu, aimed at splitting the PDP and ensuring continued APC dominance in future elections.
As Wike continues to perform his duties as FCT Minister, the question of his political allegiance remains a hot topic. For now, it appears that the APC is more than happy to keep him on their team — transfer fee or not.
