Wike rejects claim he’s only G5 governor enjoying Tinubu’s favour
Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike Denies Exclusive Favor from President Tinubu
By Adegboyega Adeleye
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has dismissed suggestions that he is the only member of the former G-5 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is receiving support from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In remarks made during an appearance on TVC News’ Journalists’ Hangout on Monday, Wike stated that other members of the G-5 have also benefited from the current administration. He specifically mentioned ex-Governors Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and Seyi Makinde, the sitting governor of Oyo State.
Wike reacted to inquiries regarding his relationship with Tinubu and the political future of the former G-5 governors as the 2027 elections approach.
“I do not understand what they mean by enjoying Mr. President’s favor,” Wike said, referencing the process leading to his appointment as a minister. He emphasized that he had consulted with the PDP at state, zonal, and national levels before accepting the ministerial position, noting that party stakeholders unanimously supported his participation in the federal government.
“When I was nominated by Mr. President to be considered as a minister, I communicated with my party at various levels to seek their position. They all agreed that I should be part of the government because they believed our contribution would lead to positive change,” Wike explained.
He further detailed the roles and recognition other G-5 members have received under the Tinubu administration. Wike confirmed that Ikpeazu currently serves as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, having attended his presentation on September 14. He also noted Ugwuanyi as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Greece, who has similarly received his letter of credence.
On Makinde, Wike stated that the President had provided significant support for the expansion of Oyo Airport, amounting to 50 billion naira.
Wike pointed out that only Samuel Ortom, former Governor of Benue State, has opted not to accept an official position in the new administration. “Gov. Ortom has expressed his desire to continue supporting the President without taking a position,” he said.
The former G-5 governors—Wike, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi, Ortom, and Makinde—played a critical role in the PDP’s internal conflicts leading up to the 2023 presidential elections. The group refused to endorse the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, unless then-National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu resigned.
Since then, the political trajectories of the former G-5 governors have diverged, with Wike now serving as a minister in the APC-led federal government. Ikpeazu and Ugwuanyi have accepted ambassadorial posts, while Makinde continues his governance in Oyo State and Ortom maintains support for Tinubu.
Wike’s remarks arrive amid renewed political discussions concerning his Rainbow Coalition for the 2027 elections. He insists the coalition is designed to bolster support for Tinubu’s re-election, while some APC governors have expressed concerns about potential political arrangements that could affect the party and its candidates.
