Wike ’ll jeopardise Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027 -PANDEF youth wing
Wike ’ll jeopardise Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027 -PANDEF youth wing
By Idun Maximus
The National Youth Wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has cautioned that the actions and inactions of the former Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike may jeopardise President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027.
It called on President Tinubu to immediately do away with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing his role in exacerbating tensions in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region as a whole.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, National Youth Leader, PANDEF, Donben Donyegha, regretted that Wike’s actions have not only damaged relations in Rivers State but have a consequential implication of jeopardising President Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027.
The youth leader warned that Wike’s influence could make the South-South region particularly challenging for Tinubu in the next election.
His words: “His presence in the administration is a liability, and his continued role threatens President Tinubu’s political future in 2027.
“The South-South will be very difficult for President Tinubu in 2027 because of the damage Wike has already done.”
Donyegha who briefed the media alongside Deputy National Youth Leader, Mathew Digi, and National Coordinator for Student Affairs, Oleh Victor, told President Tinubu that Wike has been deserted by all the leaders of Rivers State who, he said, want a peaceful Rivers State to enable Governor Siminalayi Fubara to govern “because he is doing very well.”
He alleged that Wike was using certain individuals to cause disruption in the state and therefore demanded that President Tinubu should withdraw him as a minister.
The group also issued a 48 hour ultimatum to the minister to tender an unreserved apology for insulting the Ijaw Nation during his recent media chat.
Donyegha criticised Wike for disparaging the Ijaw nation, which according to him, also extends to former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, who they recalled played a significant role in Wike’s political rise.
“We are deeply displeased with the insults by some of our leaders overseeing the six Niger Delta states, and by extension, nine oil-producing states that sustain the nation’s economy.
“Their actions have left us saddened and angered. We demand an immediate retraction and apology from those who have disrespected this generation.
“A certain leader has made offensive remarks and insulted those who supported him in the past. We insist that within 48 hours, he must issue a public apology.”
The socio-cultural group particularly took exception to Wike referring to PANDEF as the “worst organization to rely on.”
The group said: “Our leaders recently visited the President to promote peace in the region, particularly between the governor of Rivers State, who is doing commendable work, and the FCT Minister.
“However, instead of supporting this effort, the FCT Minister disparaged our elders, falsely claiming they were seeking financial gain.
“Such an act of disrespect will not be tolerated. As Niger Delta youths, we will not tolerate this insult on our leaders. His claims that the region is powerless are baseless. We challenge him to visit the Niger Delta, including Edo, Delta, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States.
“His behaviour is a disgrace to the President’s administration, and we call for his immediate removal as FCT Minister.”
The group also regretted Wike’s disrespect towards the late leader, Edwin Clark, even before his burial. It highlighted the minister’s past behaviour as Governor of Rivers State, where he allegedly insulted traditional rulers, including a notable incident where he compared one of them’s hat to Uthman Dan Fodio.
This behaviour, the group noted, reflects a disturbing pattern of disrespect and arrogance.
Donyegha recalled that the same Wike had knelt down before Clark in the past to seek support for his governorship ambition.
He admonished him to emulate Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, another political leader of the Niger Delta who the group said had conducted himself in a decent manner.
“We have no confidence in Wike. We are calling on President Tinubu to withdraw him as a minister and subject him to the investigation of the Code of Conduct Bureau for breaching various infractions in office,” he said.
