Sule Lamido, the former Governor of Jigawa State and a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has launched a critique against Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, labeling him as a figure willing to be instrumentalized for political agendas.
In a recent interview, Lamido dismissed Wike’s significance within the PDP, contending that he has not contributed meaningfully to the party’s development.
He argued that Wike’s political clout is entirely dependent on the positions he holds rather than any inherent political strength.
“Honestly, I have never regarded Wike as a political force. He seems more like a character ready to serve a purpose. If we examine Nigerian history and the emergence of the PDP, Wike hasn’t played a noteworthy role,” Lamido stated.
“He simply had the fortune of holding public offices – as a governor and now as a minister. Those roles have been sustaining him. Strip him of these titles, and he disappears from the political landscape.”
He further questioned the current situations of other former governors, such as Ortom from Benue State and Ikpeazu from Abia State, noting, “Where are they now? Do you even hear about them? Among the G-5, only Wike and Makinde are still in the spotlight.”
“Makinde remains relevant because he is still a sitting governor. Before his election, who knew him? To be frank! If Wike weren’t a minister today, he would be forgotten history. It’s the office speaking, not the man. He lacks any substantial political identity.”
Lamido also commented on how the APC appears to be leveraging Wike’s position to influence political crises, saying, “That’s why they retain him. If he were to be dismissed, he would end up like Ortom.”
He elaborated, “Look at Ortom. They held meetings in major cities around the world while in office because they had the resources that came with their positions. Can they do that now? No, because Ortom has been reduced to an ordinary citizen, just like me, Sule Lamido—a former governor.”
“He no longer has a voice because he lacks the leverage he once had. The same applies to the other governors from Abia and Enugu. Makinde is in the limelight because he is still in office. Wike is merely fortunate to be a tool used by the APC within the PDP.”
“By being appointed as the Minister for Abuja, Wike has become a resource for them, which is why he remains visible and somewhat relevant. To me, Wike as an individual doesn’t truly exist. He will soon fade into political history!”
