The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed the reasons behind his decision to push for the removal of Uche Secondus as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at a PDP event in Rivers State, Wike, who previously served as the state’s governor, claimed that Secondus opposed Siminalayi Fubara’s 2023 gubernatorial ambition. Instead, he alleged, Secondus attempted to install his cousin, Tele Ikuru, as governor.
Wike explained that this disagreement over the governorship was the primary reason for his support of Secondus’ removal as PDP Chairman. “I kicked out Secondus as PDP National Chairman when he wanted to make his cousin, Tele Ikuru, governor. Today, he says we are enemies,” Wike remarked.
The minister also criticized Secondus and former Rivers Governor Celestine Omehia, accusing them of insincerity and hypocrisy. He alleged that both men only began supporting Governor Fubara after gaining personal benefits, despite initially opposing his candidacy.
“I heard Secondus say the other day in Bori that I awarded the Bori Internal Road as governor,” Wike stated. “I paid 50 percent, thinking we had a governor we all agreed to support. Secondus said I am the enemy. But who are the governor’s real enemies? Secondus, who refused him the chance to be governor, is now his friend, and I am the enemy.”
Wike further accused Secondus of undermining Fubara’s governorship bid from the beginning. “He was the one who didn’t want the man (Fubara) to be governor. He wanted his cousin. Now he has become the governor’s friend, and we are the enemies. To God be the glory,” Wike concluded.
The remarks also come amid ongoing tensions between Wike and Governor Fubara, who was once a close ally. Wike’s statements have added another layer of complexity to the political dynamics in Rivers State, highlighting internal struggles within the PDP.
