Despite these internal wars that shook the foundations of the party, Wike remained steadfast, refusing to abandon the PDP ship.
This article delves into five significant internal conflicts that could have potentially driven Wike away from the party he once called home.
In 2015, Wike accused the then-PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu'azu, of working against his election as governor of Rivers State. Wike alleged that Mu'azu had instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig the election in favor of his opponent, Dakuku Peterside.
In 2016, Wike had a public spat with the then-Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, over the ownership of the Port Harcourt International Airport. Amaechi, who is a former governor of Rivers State, had claimed that the airport belonged to the federal government. However, Wike insisted that the airport belonged to the state government. The dispute led to Amaechi being barred from entering the airport on several occasions.
In 2017, Wike accused the then-PDP National Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff, of being a mole for the APC. Wike alleged that Sheriff was working to destabilise the PDP and ensure the victory of the APC in the 2019 general elections. The accusation led to a protracted leadership crisis in the PDP, which was eventually resolved with the removal of Sheriff as national chairman.
In 2019, Wike accused the then-PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of not doing enough to support his re-election bid as governor of Rivers State. Wike alleged that Atiku had abandoned him to his fate during the election campaign. The accusation led to a rift between Wike and Atiku, which has persisted to this day. in the 2023 presidential election, Wike openly declared that he will not support Atiku's presidential bid.
In 2022, Wike accused the then-PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, of being biased against him and his allies. Wike alleged that Ayu was working to favor the presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar. The accusation led to calls for Ayu's resignation, but he has refused to step down.
These are just a few examples of the times that Nyesom Wike has had public rifts with his PDP political allies. Wike is known for his outspokenness and his willingness to challenge the status quo. His public rifts with his political allies have often been attributed to his desire for power and control. However, his supporters argue that he is simply a party-loyal man who is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in.
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