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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Princewill Dike, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as the “political Chike Obi of Rivers State”, citing his political calculations, strategic manoeuvres and ability to build alliances.
Dike, a Port Harcourt-based lawyer and political commentator, made the assessment on Tuesday, saying Wike’s political influence had continued to shape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He recalled watching a television appearance in 2014 in which former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, reportedly expressed interest in contesting the 2015 Rivers State governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the expectation that Wike would support his ambition.
According to Dike, Ajumogobia later withdrew from the race after Wike declared his intention to contest, reportedly acknowledging the FCT minister’s political understanding as comparable to his own knowledge of the law.
Dike said the episode strengthened his belief that Wike possessed an uncommon understanding of political strategy and the ability to assess complex political situations.
He recalled that after Wike defeated the political camp of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi in the 2015 governorship election, he described the minister as the “political wizard of Rivers State”.
Dike said the description of Wike as the political Chike Obi of Rivers State was also justified by what he called the minister’s “ingenious political permutations, calculations and ability to navigate complex political situations”.
His comments followed developments involving Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and their respective supporters, which he described as an extended family of political stakeholders in the state.
Dike welcomed the apparent rapprochement between the two political leaders and their supporters, describing it as an important step towards reconciliation and unity in Rivers State.
He attributed Wike’s continued political relevance not only to his strategic calculations but also to his generosity and willingness to forgive former associates with whom he had disagreements.
According to him, Wike’s readiness to welcome former adversaries back into his political fold without dwelling on past disputes had helped him sustain relationships and maintain his influence.
Dike, who has consistently advocated reconciliation among political stakeholders in Rivers State, said the latest development supported his earlier position that the disagreements would eventually give way to renewed cooperation.
He expressed hope that the rapprochement would encourage political stakeholders to work together and usher in greater understanding and cooperation across the state.
“The development is the beginning of a new political chapter in Rivers State. The apparent rapprochement had given me reasons to celebrate. Rivers State is now moving towards becoming one political family,” he said.
Dike also praised Wike’s willingness to forgive former associates, overcome political challenges and rebuild relationships, arguing that these qualities had strengthened his position in Rivers politics and earned him the description of the “father of Rivers politics”.
