Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has admitted working with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to defeat his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2024 Edo governorship election. He said he has no regrets about the decision.
Wike made the revelation on Monday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Rainbow Coalition. The political platform aims to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Wike Explains Why He Opposed Ighodalo
Wike said he worked with APC members to stop former Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki from choosing his successor. Although PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo had strong credentials, Wike opposed his ambition because of his connection to Obaseki.
“I was behind it, and I don’t have any regrets about it,” Wike said.
He also revealed that Ighodalo visited his house several times to seek his support. However, Wike said he made his position clear despite considering him a good candidate.
“He came to my house more than three times. I said, listen, you’re a good candidate. But for this election, I’m sorry,” he said.
Wike added:
“This election is between us and the man who is bringing you, Governor Obaseki, an ingrate person, ungrateful person. So returning you is like bringing him back. So I’m sorry. You have to fail. And he failed.”
APC’s Okpebholo Defeated PDP in 2024
APC candidate Monday Okpebholo won the September 21, 2024 governorship election with 291,667 votes. Meanwhile, Ighodalo secured 247,274 votes, while Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata polled 22,763 votes.
Wike credited the APC-PDP alliance with helping Okpebholo secure victory. He also dismissed claims that political coalitions were new to Nigeria.
“So when people say that nothing like coalition, they tell lies. The truth of the matter is that it has been there depending on how it is worked out,” he said.
Wike further said Senator Adams Oshiomhole could confirm the alliance’s role in defeating the PDP candidate.
Wike Targets Tinubu’s Re-election in 2027
Wike’s latest comments have renewed attention on the Rainbow Coalition and its political ambitions. The platform seeks to support Tinubu’s re-election while allowing members to retain their existing party affiliations.
However, some APC governors and party officials have opposed the arrangement. They argue that political alliances outside the party’s structure could weaken APC candidates in 2027.
Despite remaining a PDP member, Wike continues to support Tinubu’s presidency. At Monday’s meeting, he declared himself coordinator of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State.
PDP and APC stakeholders at the event also agreed to support Tinubu’s second-term bid. They pledged to back APC candidates contesting the FCT’s senatorial and House of Representatives seats.
