Tonye Cole Criticizes Wike for Ambiguity Over Political Loyalty

Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has criticized Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his perceived dual political allegiance.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Friday, Tonye Cole questioned Wike’s political loyalty, accusing him of creating confusion within the political landscape of Rivers State and beyond.

“Is he APC or is he PDP? As far as we know today, he is PDP,” Cole stated. “We cannot continue confusing the electorate in Rivers State and confusing Nigerians because it is dangerous for democracy — that you are in one party, controlling another. We are trying to create a one-party state that is a mixture no one understands.”

Cole’s comments come amid ongoing debate surrounding Wike’s political role. Though a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike has maintained a close relationship with the ruling APC and has repeatedly expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his second-term bid.

During the 2023 presidential election campaign, Wike openly opposed his party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and advocated for power to shift to the South — a position that aligned with Tinubu’s candidacy. Following the election, Wike was appointed Minister of the FCT by President Tinubu.

The tension over political affiliations in Rivers intensified following the local government elections held on August 30, in which the APC secured victory in 20 out of 23 local councils. The PDP won in just three councils, including Obio/Akpor — Wike’s traditional political base, where he served as council chairman from 1999 before rising to become state governor from 2015 to 2023.

Cole’s remarks reflect growing unease within APC ranks in Rivers State about Wike’s influence and the blurred lines between party identities in the region.