Opinion: Why Wike Cannot Be Written Off in a Political Battle With Uzodimma

By Olumide Bajulaiye

The emerging political friction between Nyesom Wike and Hope Uzodimma is more than a disagreement between two powerful politicians. It reflects a deeper contest over political influence, party structure and the strategic direction of the 2027 elections.

Those who are quick to dismiss Wike in any political confrontation with Uzodimma may be underestimating one of Nigeria’s most formidable political operators.

Wike has built a reputation for political audacity, strategic calculation and the ability to make his presence felt far beyond his immediate political territory. His years as governor of Rivers State gave him a strong political network, while his current position in the Federal Capital Territory keeps him at the centre of national political activity.

Most importantly, Wike has demonstrated that he is willing to take politically difficult positions and defend them aggressively.

His support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, is itself an indication that Wike is prepared to operate outside conventional political calculations when he believes it serves his strategic interests.
Uzodimma, however, should not be underestimated either.

As an APC governor and an influential figure within the ruling party, he enjoys access to a structure that is particularly important in an election year. Political structures at the ward, local government and state levels remain powerful tools for translating political influence into electoral results.

That is where the contest becomes interesting.
Wike has political muscle; Uzodimma has party machinery.

But politics is not always won simply by the person with the larger formal structure.

Networks, relationships, personal loyalty, resources, timing and the ability to negotiate can also determine who emerges stronger.

This is why writing off Wike would be a mistake.
The former Rivers governor has repeatedly shown that he understands the mechanics of Nigerian politics. He knows how to build alliances, challenge established interests and keep himself relevant even when circumstances appear unfavourable.

The current disagreement should therefore not be interpreted merely as Wike versus Uzodimma. Beneath the surface is a larger question: who gets to exercise influence over the political architecture surrounding Tinubu’s 2027 ambition?

Uzodimma’s position is understandable from the perspective of an APC governor. Supporting Tinubu does not automatically make Wike an APC leader, and the ruling party would naturally want its governors and structures to remain central to its electoral strategy.

Wike, on the other hand, is unlikely to accept the argument that his political influence should be discounted simply because he is not an APC member.

That is where the tension lies.

A direct political contest between the two men would therefore be anything but a walkover. It would pit Wike’s personal political network and experience against Uzodimma’s position within the APC structure.

Anyone expecting Wike to simply surrender political space because his opponent controls a party structure may be making a serious miscalculation.

Ultimately, the smarter question is not who will “eat” whom like a biscuit. The real question is who can better convert influence into political results when the 2027 battle becomes fully operational.

And on that score, Wike cannot—and should not—be written off.