A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bode George, has threatened to institute legal action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over an allegation linking his Abuja residence to funds from Rivers State.
George, who denied the allegation, described Wike’s claim as false and said the minister would have to defend it in court.
The controversy followed comments by Wike during a media chat in Abuja, where the minister challenged the PDP chieftain to explain the source of funds used to acquire his house in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike reportedly alleged that the property was connected to funds from Rivers State, where he served as governor between 2015 and 2023.
The allegation drew a strong reaction from George, who said he had no connection with the alleged diversion of Rivers State funds.
Speaking during an appearance on TVC News on Wednesday night, the PDP chieftain said he was ready to take the FCT minister to court over the allegation.
“How was my house in Abuja bought with Rivers fund? I’m going to take him to court,” George said.
He also questioned why he would be linked to Rivers State funds, stressing that he was not from the state.
George explained that he did not build the Maitama property himself but bought it, insisting that the property remained in his possession.
“I didn’t even build a house, I bought the house and it is still there. Am I from Rivers State that I will go there and collect funds?” he asked.
The PDP chieftain accused Wike of making what he described as reckless statements and said he would not allow the allegation to go unanswered.
George also made personal remarks about the former Rivers State governor, referring to reports about Wike’s relationship with his late father.
“He is just the same age as my first child. Go and find out what his father did to him and what he did to his father. In Africa, do you know what it means when your biological father disowns you?” he said.
George further described Wike’s allegation as “absolute rubbish” and insisted that he was not involved in any wrongdoing concerning Rivers State funds.
The latest exchange between the two politicians is coming against the background of long-standing political disagreements within the PDP.
Wike has remained a major figure in the PDP despite serving as a minister in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, a development that has continued to generate debate within the opposition party.
The former Rivers governor was one of the five PDP governors who formed the G-5 ahead of the 2023 presidential election. The group opposed the demand that the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, should be allowed to continue campaigning without resolving the party’s internal disputes over its leadership structure.
The disagreement contributed to the deep divisions within the PDP before and after the 2023 general election.
Wike later accepted appointment as FCT minister under Tinubu, while remaining associated with the PDP. His decision has continued to attract criticism from some members of the opposition party, who accuse him of working with the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Wike, however, has defended his political decisions and maintained that he acted in the interest of his political supporters and Rivers State.
The latest dispute with George comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP has been facing internal disagreements over its leadership, control of party structures and the direction of the opposition ahead of the next general election.
Several prominent figures within the party have also been exchanging accusations and counter-accusations as politicians position themselves for the 2027 contest.
George has been one of the PDP leaders who have criticised Wike over his role in the Tinubu administration and his political activities since the 2023 election.
The dispute over the Abuja property has now introduced another dimension to the disagreement, with George threatening to take the matter before the courts.
Allegations involving the use of public funds have remained a sensitive issue in Nigerian politics, particularly when they involve former public officials and political figures.
Such claims can have serious legal and political consequences because public officials are expected to account for public resources entrusted to them while in office.
However, an allegation does not by itself establish wrongdoing, and the person making the claim would be expected to provide evidence if the matter is taken to court.
George’s response indicates that he intends to challenge Wike’s allegation through legal means rather than allow the matter to remain a political exchange.
The PDP chieftain said he was confident that the facts surrounding the ownership and acquisition of his Maitama property could be established.
He also rejected any suggestion that he could have obtained funds from Rivers State, arguing that he had no official position in the state that would have given him access to such resources.
The matter could therefore develop into a legal dispute if George follows through with his threat to sue the FCT minister.
For now, Wike’s allegation and George’s response have added to the growing political exchanges among PDP figures as the party seeks to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Wike has yet to publicly respond to George’s threat of legal action, the PDP chieftain has made it clear that he wants the allegation against him tested through the appropriate legal process.
George maintained that his Abuja property was legitimately acquired and challenged the minister to substantiate his claim that Rivers State funds were used in purchasing it.