The Rivers State Governor and member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Nyesom Wike has pledged his support to the current Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, to win the gubernatorial race in 2023.
Driving the news
Mr. Wike made the declaration while giving a speech at the ongoing 22nd National Women’s Conference in Victoria Island, Lagos State. He stated that Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the best person for the job following his performance as governor in his four years of service.
Why it matters
Governor Wike’s endorsement of Gov Sanwo-Olu, a member of the All-Progressive Congress (APC) is significant as the duo are members of two rival parties. Also, the former is snubbing the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state to back that of a rival party.
- This endorsement comes days after Gov Wike and four other governors snubbed the launch of the PDP’s presidential campaign.
The big picture
Gov Wike has been in a running battle with his colleagues in PDP, the party’s refusal to remove the National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, in spite of the fraud allegations amongst other controversies leveled against him. Gov Wike’s continuous activities against the PDP might be indications of his intention to defect to a party that houses his political interests.
- If the governor completes the defection, he would be following the footsteps of his predecessor, the former governor of Rivers state and former minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi.