Wike claims ₦50bn role in Tinubu’s victory, warns against political marginalisation

Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sparked fresh political debate after declaring that he spent about ₦50 billion to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence as Nigeria’s president.

Wike, speaking during a political engagement, said his contributions to the 2023 presidential campaign were substantial and should not be ignored, warning that he would not accept being sidelined after playing what he described as a decisive role in Tinubu’s victory.

“I spent ₦50 billion to make Tinubu the president he is today. I won’t be dumped just like that,” Wike was quoted as saying, in remarks that have since generated widespread reactions across political circles.

The outspoken former governor, a key figure in the G5 group of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who worked against their party’s presidential candidate in 2023, reiterated his loyalty to President Tinubu but insisted that political support must be matched with recognition and respect.

Wike’s comments come amid ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly around power alignments, appointments, and influence ahead of future elections. Analysts say the statement underscores deepening struggles among political heavyweights over relevance and reward in the post-election period.

Neither the Presidency nor the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially responded to Wike’s claims as of the time of filing this report. However, the remarks are expected to further fuel discussions about campaign financing, political loyalty, and internal power dynamics within the ruling bloc.