By Chibunna Ubawuike
A critical look at the 2023 presidential election results raises an important question. How many votes did the so called All Progressives Congress big wigs actually deliver for Mr President in their respective states?
In Ebonyi State, with His Excellency Engineer Dave Umahi as a sitting governor, the party managed only about 44,000 votes. In Adamawa State, the All Progressives Congress lost to the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, despite the active presence of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Delta State was also lost to the Labour Party, even with Olorogun Keyamo, Omo Agege, and other party leaders on ground. In Imo State, which had a sitting All Progressives Congress governor, Mr President received only about 66,000 votes. In both Ebonyi and Imo States, the party could not even secure the required 25 percent of the votes.
Osun State was equally lost to the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. These outcomes stand in sharp contrast to what happened in Rivers State. There, Governor Barrister Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party delivered over 300,000 votes for Mr President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ironically, the All Progressives Congress structure in Rivers State, led by Chibuike Amaechi, voted for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Yet, these same individuals who failed to deliver their states are now at the forefront of attacking the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike. As a Peoples Democratic Party governor, he achieved what many All Progressives Congress governors and chieftains could not do. Their current rush to Rivers State to claim solidarity with His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara is largely symbolic. They will not vote in Rivers State, nor will they be present to offer any meaningful support during the actual elections.
Dr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has proven political clout, undeniable value, street credibility, and a consistent record of delivering results. In Rivers State today, every politician of relevance, influence, and electoral effectiveness aligns with him. All local government chairmen are with him. Twenty four out of the twenty seven members of the State House of Assembly stand with him. Almost all members of the National Assembly from Rivers State are with him. Federal government appointees from the state are with him. The state All Progressives Congress executive structure is with him. The political structures across the 319 wards and 4,442 polling units are with him, as are both statutory and non statutory delegates and the grassroots operatives who handle the real work on election day.
No wise or strategic politician would discard the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not sacrifice him for the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara. History offers a clear lesson. Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, the formidable force in Ibadan politics, was retained by former President Olusegun Obasanjo despite widespread criticism because he consistently delivered results. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands that Barrister Nyesom Wike is a critical factor in his pathway to victory in 2027 and will not trade him for a political neophyte who could not even win the support of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Barrister Nyesom Wike enjoys deep rooted and organic support across the 319 wards and 4,442 polling units in Rivers State. Mr President is fully aware of this reality and will act accordingly.
