Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has lifted the veil on the deep-rooted tensions that led to the ouster of Uche Secondus as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a candid address to party loyalists in Rivers State, Wike disclosed the full extent of his involvement in Secondus’ removal, offering explosive details about the rift between the former party leader, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and key figures within the PDP.
Wike’s revelations are the latest in an ongoing saga of political rivalries and backstabbing within the PDP, a party that has struggled to maintain unity in the face of both internal and external pressures. According to the former governor of Rivers State, his decision to orchestrate Secondus’ ouster was a direct response to Secondus’ opposition to Fubara’s governorship ambitions in 2023. The roots of the conflict, Wike explained, stem from a personal and political rivalry that threatened to tear the party apart.
Secondus’ Betrayal of Fubara
In his speech, Wike pointed fingers squarely at Secondus, accusing him of a covert agenda to install his own cousin, Tele Ikuru, as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, rather than allowing Fubara to run. This, Wike said, was the breaking point in their relationship. “Secondus was never a friend to Fubara,” Wike declared, adding that the former party chairman had secretly plotted to block Fubara’s rise to power in favor of his relative.
“He tried to impose his cousin as the candidate, despite Fubara being the rightful choice,” Wike stated. “As a result, I had no choice but to act. I couldn’t allow that kind of betrayal to stand.” Wike further revealed that Secondus’ personal ambitions to install Ikuru as governor were not just a political misstep, but a direct attack on the unity of the party. This, he claimed, was the primary reason behind his role in Secondus’ eventual removal.
Secondus, once considered an ally of Wike, was known for his close relationship with Rivers State politics. However, Wike’s comments suggest that the former chairman’s personal allegiances may have clouded his judgment when it came to the party’s broader interests. According to Wike, the former PDP boss’ actions put the party’s unity at risk, particularly as Fubara’s candidacy began to gain momentum.
The Betrayal by Omehia and Secondus’ Hypocrisy
Wike also took aim at former Rivers State Governor Celestine Omehia, accusing him of hypocrisy and opportunism. Both Omehia and Secondus had initially opposed Fubara’s emergence as governor, but Wike claims that their support for the governor was only a recent development – one that came after they had reaped personal rewards from their political connections.
“The truth is, both Omehia and Secondus were the real enemies of Fubara,” Wike asserted. “Now, they’ve suddenly turned into his biggest supporters, but only after it became politically expedient for them.”
In a tone laced with bitterness, Wike suggested that Omehia and Secondus’ newfound loyalty was purely self-serving, with little regard for the well-being of the party or the state. “They used to fight Fubara, but now they want to pretend as though they’ve always been his supporters. It’s nothing but hypocrisy,” he said.
Wike Reflects on His Role in the Party
Despite his scathing remarks about Secondus and Omehia, Wike also took time to reflect on his own role in the PDP. He made it clear that he had never acted out of personal vendetta but out of a desire to ensure the party’s success in Rivers State and beyond.
“I didn’t take any pleasure in what happened with Secondus,” Wike explained. “But when you see the party being hijacked by personal interests and selfish ambitions, you have no choice but to step in and act for the greater good. It wasn’t just about me; it was about protecting the party, the state, and the people of Rivers.”
Wike’s remarks underscore the complex nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances can shift quickly and personal interests often clash with party loyalty. His leadership style, though often controversial, has been marked by a determination to maintain control and influence within the PDP, particularly in Rivers State, where his political legacy remains strong.
The Fubara Connection: Is Wike the True Ally?
While Wike’s explanation sheds light on his motivations, it also raises further questions about his relationship with Fubara. Although the two were once close allies, their bond appears to have frayed in recent years, particularly as Wike assumed a more prominent role in national politics. The minister’s words suggest that Fubara’s governorship may have been a pawn in a larger political game, with Wike positioning himself as the key protector of the governor’s political future.
“I supported Fubara because he is the right candidate for Rivers, not because I’m doing him any favor,” Wike insisted. “I fought for him to become governor, and I continue to fight for the success of his administration. But that doesn’t mean I’ll sit back and watch others try to undermine him for their own personal gain.
