Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a daring challenge to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a fiery interview on Channels Television’s Political Programme, Politics Today, Wike demanded that any PDP leader or governor who labels him a mole come forward and make the accusation on national television.
“I dare anybody in PDP, I dare any governor, I dare any National Working Committee member to come on national television to say I’m a mole,” Wike declared.
The former Rivers State Governor is known for his outspoken nature and his recent comments are seen as a direct response to ongoing criticisms within the PDP.
Wike’s challenge comes amid growing tensions within the PDP, where internal disagreements and accusations have become increasingly public.
Wike’s stance is clear: he believes that he has acted transparently and with integrity.
“Before I accepted my appointment as Minister, I wrote a letter to the PDP in my state, I wrote a letter to the PDP in my zone; I wrote a letter to the PDP national,” he said.
He questioned those who accuse him of undermining the party, asking them to provide evidence if they believe he has acted disloyally.
“The problem we have in this country is that some people think they’re smart,” Wike added. “What I want to do I will do, what I don’t want to do I will not do.”
Wike also defended his actions during the 2023 elections, highlighting his position on supporting the PDP presidential candidate.
“In 2023, did I not say I won’t support the PDP (Presidential) candidate because it is against equity, it is against fairness? Did I do it at the back?” Wike questioned.
He emphasised that despite his stance, the PDP achieved significant victories in the governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly elections.
Wike’s challenge to the PDP also touches on his interactions with other party members.
He revealed that Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had sought his support for his preferred successor, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
However, Wike said he refused Obaseki’s request, citing past insults he received despite his support for Obaseki.
Wike also addressed claims related to his family.
He confirmed that the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) is his first cousin, but he insisted that neither he nor his cousin could be intimidated into wrongdoing.
“Nobody can intimidate my cousin, not even the INEC Chairman. Nobody born of a woman can intimidate my cousin into doing what is not right,” Wike said.
He questioned why the issue of the Edo REC’s appointment was being raised now, given that the appointment occurred over a year ago.
Wike’s comments also included a critique of Governor Similaye Fubara, accusing him of betraying the political family that supported his rise to power.
“The decision of Governor Similaye Fubara to destroy the political family which brought him to power was an offence I am unwilling to forgive,” Wike said.
