Dele Momodu warns Tinubu against Wike, cites character concerns

Media mogul and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has publicly cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against promoting or politically empowering Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing deep concerns over the minister’s “character and conduct.”

Momodu’s warning was issued in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, following Wike’s criticism of him during a Monday appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today.” In response, the Ovation magazine publisher launched a pointed political and personal critique of the former Rivers State governor.

“My appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that no matter what you are expecting to gain from Wike in 2027, Wike is not the kind of character you should promote,” Momodu stated. “He is not the kind of young man who should hijack our common patrimony.”

Momodu, who once enjoyed a cordial relationship with Wike, said the minister’s political transformation became apparent shortly after he began his rise through the ranks of public office.

“When a man who had been a nobody gets power, he begins to change slowly and steadily,” he said. “The oppressed man respects only one man: the oppressor. Wike used to respect only one man – Rotimi Amaechi.”

He further claimed that Wike’s political ambition has been accompanied by an insatiable appetite for control and wealth.

“After power in Nigeria comes the spirit of money—also very demonic if you don’t know how to manage it,” he remarked.

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Momodu recounted how he and Wike initially became close in 2022 when Wike invited him to Rivers State to assist with media coverage and brand positioning.

Their relationship deteriorated shortly before the PDP presidential primaries in 2023, where both men vied unsuccessfully for the party’s ticket, which was ultimately secured by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Since then, the two political figures have sparred repeatedly, with Wike aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and securing a ministerial appointment under President Tinubu—an appointment widely viewed as a strategic alliance in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

Reacting to the development, political analyst Dr. Dayo Sobowale said Momodu’s remarks signal deeper tensions within the PDP and the growing anxiety over Wike’s expanding political clout.

“Dele Momodu is voicing a concern many within the PDP share—that Wike’s growing influence within Tinubu’s circle could disrupt the power balance ahead of 2027,” he explained. “This is as much about personal rivalry as it is about strategic positioning.”

Similarly, public affairs commentator Mariam Usman noted that Momodu’s statement carries implications for the political calculations leading into the next election cycle.

“What we’re seeing is a contest over political legitimacy. Momodu is cautioning Tinubu not to mistake Wike’s tactical value for trustworthy statesmanship,” she said.

Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, remains one of the most controversial and influential figures in Nigeria’s current political landscape.

His defection to a ministerial role under an APC-led government, while retaining nominal PDP membership, has further complicated political alliances.

With growing speculation about Tinubu’s 2027 re-election strategy, many believe Wike could play a decisive role either as a kingmaker or political partner. Momodu’s outburst appears aimed at forestalling that possibility.

“It is dangerous to empower people whose conduct betrays democratic values,” Momodu warned. “President Tinubu must resist the temptation to ride on such political recklessness.”

Dele Momodu’s public plea to President Tinubu reflects escalating political realignments ahead of 2027 and highlights internal fractures within the opposition.

As Wike’s role in the current administration deepens, the tension between political loyalty, ambition, and national interest is likely to intensify in the months ahead