Wike’s Alliance with Tinubu: A New Power Play Making PDP Proud – Ortom
August 7, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria – In what appears to be a recalibration of Nigeria’s political fault lines, former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike continues to spark both admiration and controversy following his decision to accept an appointment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.
But in a surprising turn, former Benue State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Samuel Ortom, has publicly endorsed Wike’s political trajectory, describing his alliance with the APC-led federal government as a “strategic move that is making the PDP proud.”
Speaking at a media parley in Makurdi on Tuesday, Ortom said:
“Wike is a pragmatic politician. His acceptance of the FCT Ministerial position under Tinubu is not betrayal; it’s political brilliance. He is delivering results, and in doing so, he is making the PDP proud, even from within.”
This comment comes amid increasing scrutiny from PDP loyalists who argue that Wike’s alliance with Tinubu betrays party loyalty.
However, Ortom and others within the G-5 (a group of five PDP governors who opposed the party’s leadership during the 2023 general elections) have consistently defended Wike’s actions.
After the 2023 presidential elections, which saw Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC emerge victorious, Wike, who had earlier opposed his own party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was appointed Minister of the FCT in August 2023.
Since his appointment, Wike has made headlines with a series of bold policy moves:
Revocation of over 165 property titles in Abuja within his first 100 days in office.
Aggressive infrastructure rehabilitation, including the completion of the long-abandoned Abuja Metro Rail Line.
Revenue generation boosts, with Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the FCT climbing by 18.7% between Q4 2023 and Q2 2024, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The recent Smart Abuja Urban Renewal Program, projected to inject over ₦350 billion into the FCT economy by 2026.
While some critics view Wike’s actions as anti-party, Ortom believes Wike is playing a long-term game.
“You must understand Nigerian politics,” Ortom explained. “This is about influence. Wike is strengthening his base, and by being in Tinubu’s cabinet, he’s building bridges the PDP can later cross.”
Political analysts echo this sentiment. Dr. Zainab Olufemi, a political science lecturer at the University of Abuja, argues:
“Wike’s move is reminiscent of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic pattern, opposition figures working with ruling governments without formally decamping. It gives them access to national influence while retaining control at the grassroots.”
The G-5 Governors—Wike (Rivers), Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)—are still seen as a political bloc within the PDP. Though their influence has waned at the national level, they remain crucial in shaping the party’s grassroots direction.
There are growing speculations that Wike may be positioning himself for the 2027 election, possibly even eyeing the vice presidency or a kingmaker role in a potential South-South/South-West coalition.
Despite Ortom’s support, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) has maintained a cautious stance. Debo Ologunagba, PDP National Publicity Secretary, in a recent interview, stated:
“We will always welcome contributions from our members, but loyalty to party principles is paramount. Wike has not been expelled, but we are watching.”
Atiku Abubakar’s camp remains largely silent on the matter, fueling speculation of internal conflict and realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Whether seen as a betrayal or a masterstroke, Nyesom Wike’s actions have undoubtedly shifted the political landscape in Nigeria. With Ortom’s endorsement, a deeper strategy appears to be unfolding, one that could redefine the PDP’s relevance and alliances in the years to come.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex political terrain, one thing remains clear: Wike is not just playing the game, he is reshaping the board.
