Wike’s Political Arrogance: A Product of Power, Influence, and Betrayal
By The National Patriots
Since the 2015 political downturn of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike has remained one of its most formidable figures. His influence, funding, and strategic maneuvers kept the party alive when many of its key figures defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Wike’s recent political trajectory—his fallout with the PDP, alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his overbearing control over Rivers State’s political landscape—has fueled perceptions of arrogance. But is this truly arrogance, or is it the confidence of a man who understands Nigeria’s political terrain better than most?
Wike’s Rise as PDP’s Strongman
After PDP lost the presidency in 2015, the party was in disarray. Former President Goodluck Jonathan retreated from active politics, and many of PDP’s biggest names—Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rabiu Kwankwaso—defected to APC. Wike, then newly elected as Rivers State governor, emerged as the party’s de facto leader, using his vast resources to keep PDP afloat. He funded party congresses, sponsored political candidates, and ensured that PDP-controlled states remained intact.
By 2019, many of the same politicians who had left PDP returned to contest for the presidency. Wike, despite his influence, chose not to run, believing in a rotational power structure that allowed the North to complete its tenure. However, this decision would later shape his political outlook and alliances.
The PDP Betrayal and Wike’s Rage
The 2023 PDP presidential primaries became the turning point for Wike. Confident in his role as the party’s backbone, he expected PDP to uphold fairness by zoning its presidential ticket to the South, given that the North had held power for eight years under Muhammadu Buhari. Instead, the party’s elite—including Atiku Abubakar, Tambuwal, and Saraki—worked together to deny Wike the ticket, ensuring another northern candidate emerged.
This moment marked a shift in Wike’s political philosophy. He saw the PDP leadership’s actions as a betrayal—not just of him but of the principles of equity and justice he had championed. It was at this point that he pivoted, refusing to support the PDP’s presidential campaign and, instead, throwing his weight behind Tinubu of the APC.
Why Wike Appears Arrogant
1. The Power of Financial Influence
Wike’s vast financial resources, built from his years as Rivers governor, have given him the confidence to challenge political heavyweights. He has funded elections, supported candidates, and ensured his political survival, making him feel indispensable.
2. A History of Political Survival
Wike has consistently emerged victorious in political battles, from his tenure as Rivers governor to his role in national politics. This success has emboldened him, making him appear defiant against opposition forces, even within his own party.
3. Mastery of Political Negotiation
Unlike many politicians who move cautiously, Wike is direct and confrontational. He calls out his opponents publicly, challenges the status quo, and plays the political game with the confidence of someone who understands its intricacies better than most.
4. The Betrayal Factor
Having invested so much in the PDP only to be sidelined, Wike’s aggressive posture is also a reaction to what he sees as political backstabbing. His actions are not just about ambition but about proving a point—that he cannot be disregarded in Nigerian politics.
The Rivers State Crisis: A Test of Wike’s Power
While Wike has successfully rebranded himself as a national political player, his actions in Rivers State have drawn criticism. His insistence on controlling Governor Siminalayi Fubara—whom he helped install—has sparked a political crisis that threatens to destabilize the state.
Fubara, who was largely seen as Wike’s protégé, has resisted his godfather’s influence, leading to a fierce power struggle. Wike’s allies in the Rivers State House of Assembly have attempted to undermine the governor through legislative tactics, including an attempted impeachment. The judiciary has also played a controversial role, issuing rulings that seem to favor Wike’s camp and frustrate Fubara’s administration.
While political mentorship is common in Nigeria, the era of absolute godfatherism is fading. In a modern democracy, governors must be allowed to govern independently without undue interference from their predecessors. Wike’s approach—using legislative and judicial means to control Rivers State—has been widely criticized as an outdated, oppressive political strategy.
The Tinubu Alliance and the Future
Now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Tinubu’s administration, Wike remains a controversial figure. His alliance with APC has unsettled both PDP loyalists and some APC members who view him as an opportunist. However, his role in delivering Rivers State to Tinubu in 2023 shows that he is still a force to reckon with.
Looking ahead, Wike’s political future depends on how well he navigates his current position. Will he remain a dominant figure in APC, or will his confrontational style eventually isolate him? One thing is certain: love him or hate him, Wike is a key player in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Conclusion
Wike’s perceived arrogance is a product of power, betrayal, and strategic survival. However, his insistence on dominating Rivers State politics, even after leaving office, risks undermining his legacy. The Fubara-Wike feud is a reminder that no political godfather can permanently control the will of the people. In modern Nigerian politics, true leadership is measured by the ability to build consensus, not by coercion.
Dr. Imran Khazaly
Political Director,
The National Patriots.
