Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, finds himself in a state of discontent after being nominated as a minister by the All Progressive Congress (APC) government. Wike, along with other governors forming the G5 group, who are part of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), believes they have been shortchanged by President Bola Tinubu.
The G5 governors, also known as the Integrity Group, refused to support their presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as they felt that the presidency should rotate from the north to the south after the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. They also demanded the resignation of the party chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, citing that both Atiku and Ayu hail from the northern part of Nigeria, which they see as a lack of inclusivity.
Speculations emerged before the general elections that the G5 governors might switch their loyalties to the APC, working to deliver their states to the party in exchange for political favors. These speculations turned into reality when the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) announced the APC’s victory in Oyo and Rivers States.
Shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration as president, the G5 governors paid him a visit at Aso Rock, with Wike and Makinde making subsequent visits. During these visits, assurances of political favors were made, including ministerial appointments. While Wike became a nominee from Rivers State despite being a PDP member, Makinde and others were left without nominations.
Tinubu nominated Adebayo Adelabu and reportedly plans to nominate Prof Oyelaran Oyeyinka, both from Oyo State, in the next batch of ministerial nominees. Makinde is not pleased with this development, as his candidate was overlooked and might not make it to the second batch.
Similarly, Wike’s nominee from Edo State, Dan Orbih, was also sidelined. Although not directly connected to Edo State, Wike recommended Orbih as a ministerial nominee due to their close alliance. Orbih’s absence from the ministerial list has added to Wike’s dissatisfaction.
Wike expressed concerns that the ministerial list may not align with his discussions with Tinubu in confidence. He hopes that the president will keep to their agreement in the next batch of nominees. If not, Wike allegedly plans to heat up the polity in response to what he perceives as a broken agreement.
