Dare Adeleke, Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Federal Constituency Matters, has launched a scathing attack on Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, accusing him of orchestrating a plot to dismantle opposition parties in Nigeria and establish the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the sole political force. Adeleke characterized Wike’s relentless criticisms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership as “undemocratic and arrogant,” asserting that these actions are part of a larger strategy to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. He called upon President Tinubu to intervene and restrain Wike, portraying the Minister’s conduct as a dangerous deviation from democratic norms.
Adeleke’s condemnation stemmed from Wike’s recent pronouncements, which he perceived as indicative of a troubling shift in the Minister’s demeanor. He expressed concerns about Wike’s perceived dishonesty and the erosion of trust among key PDP stakeholders. Adeleke argued that Wike’s actions, seemingly driven by personal grievances, represent a threat to the multi-party system in Nigeria. He questioned Wike’s motives, suggesting that if his goal truly was to establish one-party rule, he would have already achieved it.
The core of Adeleke’s accusation revolves around Wike’s alleged double-dealing within the PDP. He accused Wike of simultaneously blaming Governor Makinde for hindering reconciliation efforts while also portraying him as the source of the party’s internal conflicts. This contradictory stance, according to Adeleke, exposes Wike’s insincerity and reinforces his perceived self-serving agenda. The Ekiti State PDP Caretaker Chairman further alleged that Wike’s recent actions, including attempts to lock up the PDP national secretariat, were calculated maneuvers to prevent the party from holding its crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. This, Adeleke argued, further underscores Wike’s intent to undermine the PDP’s functioning and consolidate his own power.
Adeleke’s critique of Wike extends to what he perceives as the Minister’s inflated sense of self-importance. He accused Wike of behaving as if he were the central figure in Nigerian politics, suggesting that the Minister’s actions are driven by a desire to maintain his prominence and influence. In contrast, Adeleke commended Governor Makinde for his steadfast commitment to truth and principle amidst the political turmoil. He highlighted Makinde’s unwavering stance as a counterpoint to Wike’s perceived manipulation and self-serving tactics.
Adeleke’s statements paint a picture of a deeply fractured political landscape within the PDP, with Wike portrayed as a disruptive force seeking to undermine the party from within. The accusations of a plot to establish one-party rule add a layer of gravity to the situation, raising concerns about the future of political pluralism in Nigeria. Adeleke’s call for President Tinubu to intervene suggests a belief that Wike’s actions are not only detrimental to the PDP but also pose a threat to the broader democratic framework of the country.
The accusations against Wike, particularly those concerning his alleged attempts to obstruct the PDP’s NEC meeting, raise questions about the internal power dynamics within the party and the potential consequences of these conflicts. The portrayal of Wike as a self-serving actor seeking to consolidate his own influence further complicates the situation, suggesting a struggle for control within the PDP. Adeleke’s strong defense of Governor Makinde highlights the polarization within the party and suggests the existence of opposing factions vying for dominance. Overall, the situation presents a picture of internal strife and uncertainty within the PDP, with potential ramifications for the party’s future and its role in the Nigerian political landscape.
