Heavy Security in Rivers as Wike, Amaechi Hold Rival Events Amid Political Tension

Heavy security operatives took over Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday as political rivals Nyesom Wike and Rotimi Amaechi held simultaneous events, raising fears of a violent confrontation between their supporters.

A large contingent of armed policemen and other security agents were deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Amaechi, the vice presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was in town for the burial of his mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Orduah Amaechi. Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), attended a grand reception organised by his political group, the Rainbow Coalition.

The funeral service at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubima, drew a large crowd of sympathizers from within and outside the state. Among the dignitaries were former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, ADC National Chairman Chief David Mark, and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN). In a remarkable display of cross-party solidarity, opposition figures including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso also attended the funeral.

An equally large crowd thronged the Rainbow Coalition reception venue. Tension had mounted across the state over the possibility of a breakdown of law and order during the two events, prompting the security deployment. The ADC had earlier raised an alarm that Wike planned to disrupt access to Ubima by holding his reception in Omagwa on the same day, alleging he had conspired with the Ikwerre LGA Chairman to create a situation that could restrict movement along the road leading to Ubima. Despite the tension, no ugly development was reported during the events.

In his sermon during the funeral service, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Port Harcourt, Patrick Eluke, implored political office holders to use such opportunities to make peace with all men and protect the most vulnerable members of society. Eluke reminded the congregation that “election is an opportunity for the people to choose who they want to lead them,” adding that “Nigeria needs peace and we need leaders who can disagree but arrive at a point that will be beneficial to all.”

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Speaking at the Rainbow Coalition reception, Wike fired a fresh broadside at Amaechi, accusing him of working against the interest of Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone. The FCT Minister cited Amaechi’s role in the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election and what he termed the marginalization of Rivers State in project allocation during Amaechi’s tenure as Transportation Minister.

Wike quoted Amaechi’s 2014 definition of brotherhood, saying: “Amaechi defined a brother as one who identifies with us in terms of problems. He said brotherhood is not blood relation. So, we are going to copy that definition for the 2027 presidential election.” He asked: “Amaechi said Jonathan never cared for us and that Buhari was our brother because he would identify with us. If that’s the case, he now wants to run for Vice President. We want to ask: what happened all that time you were the Minister of Transport? Did he relate with us? Did he think about our problem? Did he bring anything here?”

The minister also revisited the Vice-Chancellor appointment process at the University of Port Harcourt, citing the case of Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, noting that Amaechi disappointed Rivers people by failing to rally behind an eminent scholar from the local government area.

Wike hailed President Bola Tinubu for federal appointments and interventions in Rivers State, declaring: “Now Tinubu came and gave us the Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT. This means that Tinubu is our brother. Tinubu came and gave us the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment in Ogoni. This means Tinubu is our brother.” He told the crowd: “We have adopted him as our brother because he related with us and because he identified with our problems. And that is why we are saying Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will vote for you come 2027.”

Addressing governors who claimed the Rainbow Coalition would reduce President Tinubu’s votes in 2027, Wike insisted the coalition would actually increase his electoral support. “People who don’t have capacity, what are you doing there? If you have capacity and you are talking like that, we have the capacity; it will not reduce any votes; votes will increase,” he said. Wike noted that Tinubu got less than 5% in some of the complaining governors’ states in 2023.

Wike also predicted that Amaechi would be forced to urge his supporters to boycott the 2027 election before noon on election day, saying: “No more battalions of soldiers and police. It is now we the battalion of people that will come out.” He cast doubt on Amaechi’s ability to secure votes even in his home base, saying: “If he wins his village, Ubima, then he has won the election. That’s if he will win his own polling unit.”

In his welcome address, Ikwerre Local Government Chairman Charles Nwobodo declared that the area was “locked down” for President Tinubu, Wike, and the APC governorship candidate O.K. Chinda ahead of the 2027 general election. He vowed that Ikwerre would deliver “100 per cent” support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.

The ADC has previously responded to Wike’s attacks on Amaechi, describing them as a sign of fear of growing opposition. The party’s Rivers State Chairman, Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, said Wike’s attempt to rewrite political history will not erase the fact that Amaechi remains one of the most consequential political leaders to emerge from the state. The ADC argued that Wike’s outbursts reveal anxiety rather than confidence, and that every election is unique.

Heavy Security in Rivers as Wike, Amaechi Hold Rival Events Amid Political Tension

15 northern states may collapse if fuel subsidy returns, OAU professor warns Atiku

Professor Tunji Ogunyemi of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has warned that restoring petrol subsidy could severely affect Nigeria’s public finances and leave more than 15 states in northern Nigeria facing financial difficulties within three months.

Ogunyemi, an economic historian, lawyer and public affairs analyst, made the claim while reacting to the proposal by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to restore subsidy if elected president in 2027.

The university don described Atiku’s position as “playing to the gallery”, arguing that a return to the subsidy regime could reduce revenue accruing to the Federation Account, on which most state governments depend for their monthly allocations.

Ogunyemi made the remarks during Open Forum 360, a podcast hosted by Dare Adekanmbi.

According to the professor, the consequences of reversing the fuel subsidy removal policy would go beyond petrol prices, as lower government revenue could reduce the funds available for distribution to the Federal Government, states and local governments.

He described the Federation Account as the “jugular” of more than 30 states, claiming that only about four states have the financial capacity to survive without allocations from the account.

“So if you now say reduce the accrual from account, I tell you more than about 15 states in the north will collapse. They will collapse within three months,” Ogunyemi said.

He argued that a reduction in federal allocations could return many states to a period of difficulty in meeting salary and pension obligations, while leaving little money for infrastructure and other capital projects.

“The second is that states will return to a regime of incapacity to pay salaries, let alone pensions. That is consumption expenditure,” he said.

“You reduce the revenue in that respect, you will see a situation in which government will not be able to support its minimum expenditure, let alone go for capital expenditure.”

Ogunyemi also identified debt servicing as another potential consequence of a significant reduction in government revenue.

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According to him, Nigeria could face difficulties meeting its debt obligations if the country’s revenue position deteriorates substantially.

“The fourth and the final one is that Nigeria will not be able to meet its debt obligations,” he said.

Speaking specifically about Atiku Abubakar’s subsidy proposal, Ogunyemi said the former vice-president needed to provide greater clarity about how the policy would be financed and its potential implications for government revenue.

“I think it is playing to the gallery, with due respect to him. He should be a little less opaque about his policy,” he said.

The professor argued that political leaders should consider the broader fiscal consequences of policies designed to attract public support ahead of elections.

“You don’t want to get political support through votes or more votes by wanting to cut the jugular of your country,” Ogunyemi added.

Atiku’s proposal has become part of the wider 2027 presidential election debate, particularly amid renewed political arguments over the economic consequences of the petrol subsidy removal introduced in 2023.

Supporters of subsidy restoration argue that some form of government intervention could reduce the burden of high petrol prices on households and businesses, while opponents warn that subsidising petroleum products could place additional pressure on government finances.

Ogunyemi identified Lagos, Delta and Rivers as examples of states that could cope without relying heavily on monthly allocations from the Federation Account.

He, however, cited Taraba State as an example of a state that remains highly dependent on federal allocations to meet its financial obligations.

His argument reflects the broader debate over fiscal federalism in Nigeria, with analysts and policy experts frequently calling for greater financial independence for state governments through stronger internally generated revenue.

Many Nigerian states remain heavily reliant on federal transfers, making changes in national revenue particularly significant for their ability to fund salaries, pensions, infrastructure and other public services.

The controversy comes as the debate over petrol subsidy in Nigeria continues to dominate economic and political discussions.

The subsidy was removed in 2023, leading to a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributing to higher transportation and living costs. The Federal Government has maintained that ending the subsidy was necessary to reduce the financial burden on the government and redirect resources to other areas.

Critics of the policy have continued to argue that Nigerians require stronger measures to cushion the impact of higher energy costs.

Atiku has positioned his proposal within this debate, advocating a return to some form of subsidy, while Ogunyemi has warned that the fiscal implications should not be overlooked.

The professor’s claim that more than 15 northern states would “collapse” within three months is his assessment of the potential consequences of reduced Federation Account revenue and should not be treated as an independently established forecast.

The wider issue, however, remains central to Nigeria’s economic debate: how to provide affordable energy for citizens while ensuring sustainable government revenue, stronger state finances and the ability to meet public-sector obligations.

15 northern states may collapse if fuel subsidy returns, OAU professor warns Atiku

‘It’s a lie’ – Wike’s aide challenges Peter Obi’s ‘I don’t give shishi’ claim

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has challenged a claim attributed to Peter Obi that he does not give money to politicians or delegates during election campaigns.

Olayinka described the claim as untrue, alleging that Obi gave money to delegates in Ekiti State when he was still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and seeking the party’s presidential ticket.

The FCT minister’s aide made the allegation during an interview on AIT’s Democracy Today, where he discussed political campaigns, election spending and the realities of seeking elective office in Nigeria.

Olayinka, who said he previously contested for the House of Representatives and had served as a political delegate, said he personally witnessed Obi allegedly giving money to delegates during the period when the former Anambra State governor was still in the PDP.

“They said that the candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, does not give ‘shishi,’ it’s a lie. I was a delegate in Ekiti when he was in PDP before going to the Labour Party, he came to Ekiti and dropped money for delegates,” Olayinka said.

The allegation directly challenges the image Obi has cultivated among supporters as a politician who campaigns against excessive political spending and promotes a more frugal approach to politics and governance.

Obi left the PDP in May 2022 and subsequently joined the Labour Party, under which he contested the 2023 presidential election. He is now associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Olayinka argued that financial resources remain a major component of political contests, particularly during party primaries and election campaigns.

According to him, politicians require money to mobilise supporters, organise campaigns, secure party structures and compete with opponents.

He said political candidates who refuse to deploy financial resources could find themselves at a disadvantage against better-funded contenders.

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“As a politician or a businessman, if your competitor wins, what happens to you? If you are seeking a contract from somewhere and your competitor wins, what happens to you? You will lose out,” Olayinka said.

He also argued that politicians spend money because gaining political power is necessary for candidates who intend to implement their programmes after winning elections.

“You want to serve me, for instance, why do politicians spend money including the US? Don’t politicians spend money on campaigns? They spend money to seek election,” he said.

Olayinka’s comments come amid intensifying political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general election, with supporters of President Bola Tinubu and opposition politicians increasingly debating the viability, credibility and electoral strength of potential challengers.

The FCT minister’s aide has recently stepped up his criticism of Obi and other opposition figures, questioning whether some of the presidential candidates preparing for the 2027 election have sufficient political structures to win a nationwide contest.

In a recent interview with Arise News, Olayinka argued that not all of the presidential candidates preparing for the 2027 election were necessarily contesting with the expectation of winning.

He specifically questioned the electoral strength of the NDC, saying the party lacked sufficient grassroots structures in several states. He argued that a presidential candidate needs a strong organisation at the state, local government and polling-unit levels to effectively compete in a national election. (Arise News)

Olayinka also pointed to the importance of having candidates contesting other elective positions, arguing that the absence of a strong spread of governorship and legislative candidates could make it more difficult for a presidential party to establish an effective election-day structure.

His latest comments therefore form part of a broader political argument over whether Obi and the NDC can build enough nationwide structures to challenge the established political parties in 2027.

Meanwhile, the controversy involving Olayinka has extended beyond his criticism of Obi to questions about the conduct of political interviews.

A separate confrontation reportedly occurred between Olayinka and Arise News presenter Rufai Oseni during a television interview, with the exchange ending abruptly after Olayinka indicated that he would not respond to questions from the presenter.

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The incident attracted reactions from commentators, including Dr Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, who called for greater professionalism from both journalists and public officials during political interviews.

Amadi argued that public officials who accept invitations to appear on television programmes should be prepared to answer legitimate questions, while journalists should also conduct interviews in a professional manner and avoid turning political discussions into personal confrontations.

He said the media should focus on obtaining useful information for the public rather than allowing interviews to degenerate into shouting matches.

Amadi also argued that the quality of political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections should extend beyond personality clashes between politicians and journalists.

According to him, issues such as Nigeria’s economy, hunger, insecurity, healthcare, health insurance and the rule of law should receive greater attention as political parties and candidates seek voters’ support.

He said political actors would respond to the issues that voters, the media and influential institutions place at the centre of public debate.

The political scientist further stressed that voters should assess presidential candidates not only on their campaign promises but also on their integrity, credibility and past conduct.

The latest exchange between Olayinka and Obi’s camp comes as political realignments ahead of 2027 continue to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Obi’s emergence as a leading opposition figure has generated sustained debate among supporters and critics over his political record, campaign strategy, financial practices and ability to build a nationwide political structure.

For now, Olayinka’s allegation that Obi gave money to delegates in Ekiti remains a claim made by the Wike aide. No independent evidence establishing the alleged payment was presented in the reports reviewed, and Obi or his representatives have not, in the available reports, publicly responded to the specific allegation.

The dispute nevertheless highlights one of the recurring issues likely to dominate the 2027 political campaign: the role of money, political structures, grassroots mobilisation and personal credibility in determining the outcome of Nigeria’s presidential election.

‘It’s a lie’ – Wike’s aide challenges Peter Obi’s ‘I don’t give shishi’ claim