The Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Godknows Igali, has revealed that former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, went to great lengths to secure support for Nyesom Wike’s 2015 gubernatorial bid in Rivers State.
Speaking during a program on AIT, Igali disclosed that Patience Jonathan even rolled on the floor to persuade her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and elder statesman Edwin Clark to endorse Wike.
Wike, who served as Rivers State governor from 2015 to 2023, is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike vs PANDEF: A War of Words
Igali’s revelation comes in response to Wike’s recent media outburst, where he accused PANDEF leaders of meeting with President Bola Tinubu for personal gains.
Defending the PANDEF delegation, Igali emphasized that it comprised senior traditional rulers, former governors, senators, and ministers, all of whom had the Niger Delta’s interest at heart.
“We used to organize retreats for new ministers, where we taught them ethics—how to be decent and respectful. Not to dance around, shout at people, or use inappropriate words on elders. We are still Africans, for goodness’ sake,” Igali stated.
He also recounted how respected Niger Delta elders, including retired military officers, felt disrespected by Wike’s remarks.
“Some traditional rulers called me and said, ‘Ambassador Igali, did you take us to the Villa to be insulted this way? Do you know that I retired from the army in 1975? Where was that minister?’ I had to apologize and clarify our intentions,” he added.
The Role of Patience Jonathan in Wike’s Emergence
Igali reminded Wike that he once sought PANDEF’s support when he was running for governor.
“You came to PANDEF when you wanted to be governor. You knelt before Chief Edwin Clark. I was in the other room in the house. Patience Jonathan rolled on the floor to beg President Jonathan to make you governor,” Igali recounted.
He revealed that several Niger Delta leaders, including Chief A.K. Horsfall, the late Alabo Graham-Douglas, and the traditional ruler of Etche, were initially opposed to Wike’s candidacy, arguing that it was time for a riverine candidate.
However, Patience Jonathan insisted on Wike, passionately pleading with stakeholders to back him.
“She begged. And she is alive. She rolled on the ground to beg Chief Clark and others on your behalf,” Igali emphasized.
Political Implications
This revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes influence that shaped Wike’s political rise, highlighting the former First Lady’s pivotal role. It also deepens the ongoing rift between Wike and Niger Delta leaders, particularly those within PANDEF.
With tensions mounting, Wike’s relationship with the region’s political elite may face further scrutiny, especially as 2027 political alignments take shape.
