Nigerian activist and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of being a “serial betrayer.”
Deji Adeyanju Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on November 15, 2024, criticized Wike’s political history, pointing to his alleged betrayals of key allies and questioning his loyalty to his current political affiliations. This comes after Wike’s controversial shift from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to supporting President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the press conference, Adeyanju recounted Wike’s political trajectory, alleging that he has consistently betrayed those who supported him. He specifically mentioned figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Rivers State governors Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi, and former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi. Adeyanju remarked:
“Wike has never worked anywhere; from a motor garage tout, he became a local government chairman and he has been betraying people.”
Adeyanju didn’t mince words in comparing Wike to controversial Nigerian artist Portable, drawing a stark contrast in loyalty:
“The only difference between Wike and Portable is that Portable does not betray people who have helped him, but Wike betrays everyone who has helped him.”
Wike’s Political Maneuvering
Wike’s political maneuvers, including his appointment as FCT Minister under Tinubu’s administration, have raised questions about his allegiance. Adeyanju argued that Wike’s betrayal of Jonathan, Odili, and others was a harbinger of his likely treatment of Tinubu:
“Is it Tinubu that he would not betray? Even Tinubu is not that dull; he’s politically savvy and knows. He’s just using the long spoon to deal with him; there is nothing you will do with Wike that you will be safe.”
Adeyanju also alleged that Wike undermined the Labour Party’s Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential elections:
“Typical Wike, just like he deceived Peter Obi; Obi kept going to him but he went behind his back to sabotage him.”
Wike’s Response
Wike has dismissed Adeyanju’s comments as baseless, labeling him a “jobless” individual seeking relevance. He claimed that Adeyanju once sought a position as Publicity Secretary in the PDP, which he refused to grant.
Brief Background on Nyesom Wike
As Rivers State governor from 2015 to 2023, Wike gained a reputation for extensive infrastructure projects but also for wielding political power with an iron fist. His transition to the APC after years in the PDP shocked many political observers and drew accusations of opportunism.
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