Dr. Reuben Abati criticises FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, saying his Rivers State political activities undermine President Tinubu and the APC
Former presidential aide Dr. Reuben Abati has criticised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through political activities in Rivers State.
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Speaking to Arise Television on Thursday, Abati claimed Wike lacks authority to interfere in the affairs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, despite reportedly campaigning for presidential interests.
“Now first, let’s deal with Wike who says he’s having a rainbow coalition that is going to shut out everybody in Rivers State, and it seems to me that he doesn’t have that right,” Abati said.
He highlighted that APC officials, including Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and spokesperson Ajibola Basiru, have stated Wike has no mandate to meddle in the party’s internal matters.
Abati further noted that Wike’s former party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had repeatedly disowned him.
“The same people’s Democracy Party has rejected him, saying that he’s not their member, and they’ve repeated it again and again,” he said.
The veteran journalist described the minister’s activities as irresponsible and embarrassing, adding that they do not help Tinubu but instead expose him to public ridicule.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has not even blown the whistle as regards political campaigns. He’s busy in Rivers state conducting campaigns. What Nyesom Wike is doing in Rivers state is very ridiculous,” Abati said, emphasising that his actions could be seen as undermining the president rather than supporting him.
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Abati’s comments come amid rising political tensions in Rivers State, where allegations of party interference and cross-party campaigning have attracted national attention.
