As the 2027 presidential and general elections approach, the Niger Delta youth wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum has warned that the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, could severely impact President Bola Tinubu’s political support in the Niger Delta.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the National Youth President of PANDEF Youth Wing, Doben Donyegha, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Wike, demanding that he retract his alleged disparaging statements against the Ijaw Nation and leaders of the socio-political body. The group condemned Wike’s comments about the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, stating that he had insulted the elder statesman even in death.
“If he fails to apologize within 48 hours, we will take necessary actions. The Niger Delta and the entire South-South region stand united against his recklessness,” Donyegha warned.
The PANDEF Youth Wing alleged that Wike not only attacked the Ijaw people but also disrespected their revered leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who has not yet been laid to rest.
“It is painful to us that Wike would show such utter disrespect to our late leader, Chief Edwin Clark, even before he is buried,” they said.
The ultimatum was issued jointly by:
– Don Ben Donyegha, National Youth Leader of PANDEF
– Comrade Mathew Digi, Assistant National Youth Leader
– Hon. Prince Oleh Victor, National Coordinator of Youth Affairs
They expressed displeasure that Wike insulted the South-South leaders barely 24 hours after a PANDEF delegation met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The group accused Wike of betraying and insulting elders, traditional rulers, and political figures from the Niger Delta. They recalled how Wike once knelt before Chief Edwin Clark to seek support for his gubernatorial ambition, only to later insult him.
They further declared that Wike would never attain the stature and legacy of Clark.
The youth leaders warned that Niger Delta youths would not remain silent while Wike continues to insult their leaders and undermine the region. They challenged him to visit Edo, Delta, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States to see whether he still commands the people’s respect.
Wike’s latest controversy stems from his Tuesday media chat, where he described PANDEF as “the worst organization anybody can rely on” and referred to its Board of Trustees members as “political merchants.”
In response, Donyegha urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack Wike from his cabinet, stating that the youth wing no longer had confidence in him.
“Wike has insulted those who stood by him in the past. His presence in this administration is a liability, and his continued role threatens President Tinubu’s political future in 2027. The South-South will be very difficult for President Tinubu in 2027 because of the damage Wike has already done.
“We have no confidence in Wike. We are calling on President Tinubu to withdraw him as a minister and subject him to the investigation of the Code of Conduct Bureau for breaching various infractions in office.”
The PANDEF youth leaders also called on the Code of Conduct Bureau to investigate Wike over alleged ethical infractions while in office.
“We have no confidence in Wike, and we demand that President Tinubu withdraw him as a minister and ensure he is held accountable for breaching ethical standards in public office,” Donyegha stated.
The youth leaders accused Wike of stirring political instability in Rivers State by using certain individuals to create disruptions and undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
They also recalled an incident where Wike allegedly humiliated Ogoni leaders publicly after calling them forward to be recognized. Additionally, he was accused of disrespecting traditional rulers by summoning them to an event only to insult them, even likening one of them to historical figures in a derogatory manner.
“This was not only an insult to the Niger Delta but also an affront to the Fulani ethnic group and their leadership,” the group said.
The PANDEF youth leaders expressed frustration over Wike’s history of betrayal, citing his past ties to former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife. They claimed that despite their support in his political rise, Wike later turned against them and continued to insult key Niger Delta figures.
The group also recalled that during his tenure as Rivers State governor, Wike had a history of making disparaging remarks about respected traditional rulers, citing an incident where he told one of them he looked like Uthman Dan Fodio.
The PANDEF Youth Wing warned President Tinubu that Wike’s divisive politics could cost him critical support in the Niger Delta during the 2027 elections.
“Wike’s reckless actions are making it difficult for President Tinubu to maintain political goodwill in the South-South. If he is not removed, the region will be a tough battleground for the President in 2027.”
Donyegha further noted that Wike’s political survival depends on the very people he is insulting.
“This is the same Wike who knelt before Chief Edwin Clark to seek support for his governorship ambition. Today, he turns around and insults the very people who helped him rise politically.”
As a final note, the PANDEF youth leaders advised Wike to learn from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom they praised for showing maturity and dignity in leadership.
“We demand that Wike follow the example of Senator Godswill Akpabio, who has demonstrated true leadership and respect for his people.”
