Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be cautious in his political relationship with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Oseni gave the advice while reacting to Wike’s recent claim that he could become a target of opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, if Tinubu fails to secure re-election in 2027.
Wike made the remark during a media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he explained his continued support for Tinubu’s second-term bid despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking on Thursday’s edition of Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Oseni questioned why Wike was concerned about possible political retaliation from Atiku or Obi.
Oseni argued that Wike should have little to fear if he was confident that his past political actions were justified.
He specifically referred to Wike’s political disagreement with Atiku, who defeated him in the 2022 PDP presidential primary.
Oseni said he had no issue with Wike choosing not to support Atiku politically but criticised what he described as Wike’s alleged use of his position as Rivers State governor to prevent Atiku from campaigning in the state during the 2023 election.
He also questioned Wike’s concerns about Peter Obi, referring to controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election results and claims about figures uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
“Mr Wike, why are you scared? Why do you think they will witch-hunt you? Is there anything you want to tell us?” Oseni asked.
Turning his attention to President Tinubu, Oseni urged him to be careful about the information and political arrangements he shares with Wike.
He argued that Wike, based on his history of political disagreements with former allies, could publicly disclose details of his dealings with Tinubu if their relationship eventually breaks down.
“The day he quickly falls out with President Tinubu, this Wike will talk, and he will talk very well,” Oseni said.
He further appealed to Tinubu to ensure that whatever political agreements or dealings he has with Wike are matters that could withstand public scrutiny.
Oseni also recalled Wike’s previous criticism of political godfatherism, including comments he made during the political dispute involving former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
He said Wike had previously taken positions against political godfatherism but was now working closely with Tinubu.
Oseni added that he knew people who had previously been close to Wike but had since fallen out with him, describing this as another reason for Tinubu to exercise caution.
Wike has remained a prominent political figure in the Tinubu administration despite retaining his membership of the PDP and has openly backed the President’s bid for a second term in 2027.
