In a surprising turn of events, the Governor of Rivers State,
Siminalayi Fubara, dropped a bombshell
revelation suggesting that his
predecessor, Nyesom Wike, was considering leaving the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) and joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was
made during a grand thanksgiving reception held at Wike’s private residence on
Ada-George Road in his hometown of Rumueprikom, located in the Obio-Akpor Local
Government Area of the state.
The gathering was attended by several prominent political
figures, showcasing the significance of the occasion. President Bola Tinubu was
represented by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasizing the
magnitude of the event. Additionally, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State,
high-ranking APC stalwarts, and members of the 10th National Assembly, including
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, former Edo State Governor Adams
Oshiomhole, former Governor of Ebonyi State Dave Umahi, and Senator Ali Ndume,
who represents Borno South Senatorial District, graced the occasion with their
presence.
Among the attendees were also Acting PDP Chairman Umar
Damagum, former Governors Peter Odili of Rivers State, Abdullahi Ganduje of
Kano State, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, and James Ibori of Delta State. Notably,
all the members of the G5, a group of influential PDP governors, were present
at the event as well.
During his speech at the thanksgiving reception, Governor
Fubara expressed his concern over Wike’s potential departure from the party. He
urged Wike not to distance himself from him, even if he decided to switch sides
in the political arena. Fubara acknowledged the presence of political
adversaries, whom he referred to as “sharks” and “tigers,”
lurking in the political landscape, eager to exploit any vulnerabilities. By
staying close, Fubara believed he could provide guidance and support to Wike,
as well as protect the interests and welfare of the state they both held dear.
Speculations regarding Wike’s potential defection from the
PDP to the ruling APC had been circulating for some time, but Fubara’s
revelation added weight to these rumors. It was worth noting that during the
2023 general elections, Wike and four other governors had withheld their
support for the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Instead, they
threw their weight behind the candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu, a move that
raised eyebrows within the PDP ranks.
As the news of Wike’s possible defection spread, political
analysts and observers eagerly awaited his official statement. The potential
move had the potential to reshape the political landscape in Rivers State and
have far-reaching implications for both the PDP and the APC. It was a
development that would undoubtedly continue to dominate headlines and spark
intense debate among politicians and the general public alike.
