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Wike and His Band at a Dead End: How the G5 Charade Crumbled

Published

3 years ago

January 8, 2023

Eric

By Abiodun Joseph

WISDOM is one the greatest attributes everyman should possess. WISDOM should have explained a moral lesson to the five Governors and their motley crowd of diehard acolytes that they can never hold the PDP behemoth to ransom for longer than necessary.

At the beginning of their war of attrition, the five Governors, Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Seyi Makinde, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu, all had reasons to protest the loss of the PDP Presidential Primary by one of their own and their ringleader, Wike, the energetic and hardworking Governor of Rivers State, aka “Mr Projects.” They were of the opinion that the National Chairman of their party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, played the role of a biased umpire, and they were justifiably miffed and called for a pound of flesh.

The already tense situation became compounded when, according to them, promises and overtures were made to offer the number two position of Vice Presidential candidate to Wike, which again never materialized. This was the last straw that broke their camel’s back.

“Let me vow…today, anybody who emerges here I will support the person to the fullest. Anybody who emerges here today, I will support the person to the fullest because I am a committed party person. Because I love this party. Because since 1998, I have been in this party. i Have worked for this party. This is my party. I am not going anywhere” – Nyesom Wike

They gained many sympathisers considering how much support Wike had offered PDP in its days of tribulations. Trouble was the vengeance they sought was not an easy one. They wanted Ayu fired summarily by the party, but rather than do that, the NEC of the party passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee, headed by Iyorchia Ayu. The G5 Governors vowed never to support the ATIKU/OKOWA Presidential team until Ayu leaves as Chairman. All entreaties to them pleading for mercy and forgiveness fell on deaf ears. Perhaps, the situation would not have deteriorated so fast and degenerated totally if Governor Wike had not gone on a daily ritual of buying expensive airtime on television to lambast Ayu, and sometimes the PDP Presidential candidate, former Vice President, H.E Atiku Abubakar (GCON). As this verbal fisticuffs persisted, both camps dug deeper and deeper thus obliterating hopes of reconciliation.

As weeks climbed weeks, the G5 started hosting the opponents of PDP and announcing how they will soon endorse any candidate other than Atiku Abubakar. They made a second tactical mistake by turning it into a North versus South imbroglio. At a point, Governor Ortom could not hide his morbid hatred and disdain for the Fulani when he publicly declared he will never support a Fulani candidate and “they should go to blazes…” Their vituperation became unhinged.

“I made a vow to the Official Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nigeria that I will support whoever emerges from the #PDPPresidentialPrimaries and I am not going to go back on my word. We cannot abandon the PDP, we will be fully supporting Atiku Abubakar” – Nyesom Wike

This was how their cookie crumbled.

Many of their sympathizers started thinking they’ve carried their anger too far. After meeting with them at home and abroad about five times, it seemed the PDP candidate decided to accept the reality of his situation with equanimity and chose to call their bluff. He decided to run a powerful nationwide Presidential campaign and luckily for him, he’s done far reasonably well since then.

“I never ran presidential election to want to be the vice-president”.

The first attempt by Wike and his band to test their popularity and influence on determining who should be voted and not be voted for backfired spectacularly in Ibadan Oyo State, where one of them, Governor Seyi Makinde, was flagging off his second term Gubernatorial campaign. The G5 hastily abandoned its usual verbal assaults against Atiku, Ayu and PDP when they realised that Oyo State party faithful were overwhelmingly in support of Atiku Abubakar and not ready to promote any division.

“Stop shaking your head’ that’s sycophancy. You are one of those causing problems. They gave you chieftaincy but you are a young boy so you don’t even know what to do with it. And then when I’m speaking you are shaking your head like this because you think I will be happy.

“All fake! Fake!!. You just go and wear something that is bigger than you…when someone is looking for power… You’d think he’s an elderly person. Very small young man… this boy. I know when I was in school, he was running around us, going on errands. Now he’s dressing Usman Dan Fodio (founder of Sokoto caliphate). Then he begins to breach protocol. He thinks when he’s shaking his head like this, I’d be happy. That’s fake…that’s fake…” – Nyesom Wike attacks traditional ruler

With the scenario that played out in Ibadan, it is obvious that the G5 has reached a dead end because the ATIKU/OKOWA loyalists are now further emboldened. Majority of PDP supporters have vowed to resist any act inimical to the success of all PDP candidates at all levels in all states of the Federation.

“This should be the last time you open your mouth to talk about this state because you are a total failure, as far as this state is concerned.” Wike attacked former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi

Headline

Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Felicitates with Nigerian Muslims, Urges Renewed Patriotism

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Eric

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.

President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasise piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

The President’s message was contained in a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

On Wednesday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the declaration of Friday as the day for Eid-el-Fitr.

He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and called for sustained prayers for national unity and development.

The Sultan’s announcement came after the Federal government of Nigeria declared Thursday, 19 March, and Friday, 20 March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

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2027: Peter Obi Raises Doubt About Clinching ADC Presidential Ticket

Published

20 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed reservations over his ability to clinch the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

In a video address to his followers, Obi stated that receiving the ADC’s presidential ticket is not guaranteed.

He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.

I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”

“Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.

Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.

“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.

“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Terrorism: Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance Amid Challenges

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, solicited partnership with the United Kingdom to crush terrorism in the Sahel before it engulfs the region.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu told King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and elite guests, at a state banquet.

Speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, Tinubu said: “As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

The Nigeria’s President said it was an honour to stand before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

“Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.”

He explained further: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

“Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.”

He said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide, adding: “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He noted the exploits of Nigerians in the country especially in sports, saying: “in sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.”

He expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

“Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”