Dare Babalola
A political analyst, Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo, has defended the prominent role played by Nyesom Wike at the just concluded national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite his current position as a minister in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking with NEWSTELLERS on Monday, Nze-Jumbo who is also the President of TeamNigeria4Change and Publisher of Eko mi Eko e, dismissed concerns over Wike’s dual political posture, insisting that such cross-party dynamics are not unusual in Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, Wike’s influence at the PDP convention is deeply rooted in his longstanding investment—both financial and political—in the party.
“It is not the first time you have somebody from the opposition party serving in a ruling government,” he said, noting that political alignments in Nigeria often transcend strict party boundaries.
Nze-Jumbo framed Wike’s continued involvement in PDP affairs as a reflection of personal commitment rather than contradiction. Drawing from a biblical analogy, he stated that loyalty often follows investment.
“The convention of the PDP that I saw is a confirmation of the scripture that says, ‘where your treasure is, that is where your heart will be.’ Wike, when many people abandoned the PDP, was one of those who sustained it. He put in his resources to ensure the party did not collapse,” he said.
He argued that this history explains why Wike remains influential within the PDP, even while serving in an APC-led administration.
“In times of crisis, it is easier for those who did not invest in the party to defect. But for someone like Wike, who committed so much, it is natural for him to still play a prominent role in party activities like the convention,” he added.
On the controversy surrounding the PDP convention itself, Nze-Jumbo acknowledged that there were legal and procedural concerns, including court injunctions. However, he suggested that the eventual outcome of the convention effectively settled those disputes.
“There were issues about court orders and whether the convention should hold, but whatever prominence emerged from that convention, I think those matters have been resolved in the process,” he said.
He also alluded to internal party power struggles, noting that leadership questions and constitutional interpretations have historically shaped party dynamics in both the PDP and APC.
Nze-Jumbo emphasized that Wike has made a clear political choice in aligning with President Tinubu, even while retaining his PDP roots.
“If you are a member of the PDP and your choice is to support the APC, there is nothing in politics that outrightly stops that. Wike has made his choice,” he stated.
He further speculated on the possibility of unconventional political arrangements ahead of future elections, suggesting that the PDP could adopt strategic alliances in certain circumstances.
“It is not impossible to see a situation where parties make pragmatic decisions, including adopting candidates across party lines, depending on political realities,” he said.
Responding to criticisms that Wike’s support for President Tinubu undermines the PDP, Nze-Jumbo rejected the argument, instead placing responsibility on the party’s internal decisions.
“I do not agree that Wike alone weakens the PDP. If he was that strong and influential, why did the party allow the situation to deteriorate to this level?” he queried.
He pointed to unresolved grievances within the party, particularly surrounding power rotation and internal agreements, as key factors that led to the current divisions.
“Politics is about compromise. If agreements are not respected, people will take positions. Wike’s support for Asiwaju (Tinubu) did not start today—it played a role in the 2023 elections and had significant impact,” he noted.
Nze-Jumbo concluded that Wike’s backing remains a political asset for President Tinubu and the APC, warning that its implications for the PDP cannot be ignored.
“There is no way Wike’s support will not be a plus for Asiwaju. We saw it in 2023, and it made a difference. Given his political strength, his alignment with the APC will naturally have consequences for the PDP,” he said.
He added that the PDP’s refusal to address key internal demands, including calls for power shift, contributed to the current political realignments.
