Is Wike Being Prepped for the Presidency?
Like every teeming Nigerian youth out there, 2023 was a pivotal year for me and the country’s general elections was the focus. “Something needs to change,” a lot of us told ourselves. Among the trio of Abubakar Atiku, Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi who vied for the presidency then, we had to pick one we felt was fit to salvage the deteriorating situation of Nigeria. Well, we did pick and between then and now, things have gotten a whole lot worse for Nigeria.
That ‘G-5’ formation, for me, was a major swing vote that greatly aided the All Progressives Congress (APC). Rivers, Bayelsa and other states around the Niger Delta region ganged up together, all 5 of them and, calling themselves the “G-5,” somehow, thought it wise to lend their weight behind Tinubu. This is politics, so, don’t ask me why they did what they did.
Prominent and vocal of the G-5 Governors was the then Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike. Even the deaf knew that he had his tents deeply rooted in the Tinubu presidency camp and was fully vested in ‘Jagaban’ winning. He has his followers and with the G-5, they had the numbers. They had their demands (no politician loves you for free). As such, after Tinubu won and Wike was, almost immediately, made Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), I realized how he had been remunerated for a job well done.
Nonetheless, still looking closely at that unholy alliance, I realize there is a greater play than just the ministerial position Wike was compensated with. There is a bigger goal in sight and one that is thinly veiled but seemingly clear for anyone with a keen eye to decipher. I speak of the Presidency in 2031 (that is, of course, assuming Tinubu is able to complete two terms of office).
Now, relax. This is no conspiracy theory. Let me break it down: What is the progression every politician in Nigeria seeks? Look around you and you’ll see how many of the Governors you knew from decades ago all are Senators now or in other key roles. Tinubu, himself, was once a Governor with an eye for the presidency. He, first, galvanized the APC and became its national leader before assuming the top seat, isn’t that right? Akpabio: Was he not a Governor? Is he not the Senate President now? The list goes on and on.
Also Read: Nyesom Wike Made Fubara A Governor But Is He A Godfather?
Wike is too ambitious a man to settle for being just a Minister. Far from it. He has his eyes set on being Nigeria’s President and is only bidding his time well. Look at his body language and the clout he possesses. Does that look to you like just a Minister? Of course not. I tell you, there is a succession plan agreed between him and Tinubu wherein he succeeds the latter when all is over.
The biggest sign of this was when Tinubu had to travel to France to broker a deal with President Macron. We already know that France are being booted out of Niger and all the other francophone African countries. The military guys that took over there have given them a quit notice. Nigeria has now become their landing spot for Africa and Tinubu is ever so eager to fill the void for whatever selfish gains of his. Now, who did the President take with him to such an important summit? Nyesom Wike, of course, not Shettima or any other. Open your eyes. This is happening in your very before.
Take a look at the FCT and the moves Wike is making—unprecedented. The man is kicking people out of their homes and telling folks quite clearly, “I am untouchable.” Abuja is a perfect spot. As much Lagos can boast of being the economic hub of Nigeria, in terms of politics, nothing happens without the say so of the central and the Sherriff of that central is Wike. Is the dynamic getting clearer to you now?
Yes, one would say, “but he isn’t APC.” Well, that argument might make sense if it were another country you speak of but, common, this is Nigeria. Here, politicians cross carpet between parties faster than Nigerian girls dump their broke boyfriends. Cross carpeting is the easiest thing to do in Nigeria. Yes, Wike is still with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on paper, however, switching to the APC at any point in time will prove easier than the sun setting tomorrow. Already, Wike is APC in all but actual documentation. That is the reality.
The end game is that Wike announces his switch to the APC some two years before Tinubu’s reign is to end, solidifies his position, of course, with the help of his ally, Jagaban, buys their form and fills the damn thing in a hurry before contesting the primaries and winning. The fact is, the APC need a man like him. After Tinubu, there is certainly nobody with the kind of clout that Wike has to go toe to toe with giants like Atiku and Obi. This is why Wike is essential to them and vice-versa.
The only stumbling block for Wike right now is that annoying bee called Fubara. Ah! That “boy” of his has become a man now fully vested in tormented his “Oga” and booting him out of Rivers. From Wike’s angle, Fubara needs to be defeated, buried and forgotten. Every politician needs a base from which to operate from, else, you are finished. Wike will look to regain Rivers and by extension the G-5. From there, it becomes easier seeing as the APC structure will do the rest of the job.
Ladies and gentleman, this is the end game. Believe it or not, Wike is going to be around for the longest time if things go according to his plan. I have seen through their veil a long time ago and understand how their scheme works. Of course, I, honestly, do not see how this benefits Nigerians, but then again, when have our politicians ever cared about you and I talk more of what benefits us?
