A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his conduct during Saturday’s election in Abuja, describing it as an embarrassment to Nigerians.
George’s reaction followed the circulation of a viral video showing Wike addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a polling unit and reportedly telling them, after casting their votes, to “leave the rest” to him.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PDP chieftain said Wike’s actions were unbecoming of a public office holder and called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the minister.
“Wike’s conduct during Saturday’s election in Abuja was a complete embarrassment to the good people of this country,” George said. “It is absolutely impossible for him to behave in this manner without the backing of Mr President.”
George warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy. He argued that the President must recognize that the current administration belongs to him and not to any individual appointee.
“What Tinubu needs to realise is that this is his administration till 2027, not Wike’s. Continuing to allow this kind of behaviour shows a poor understanding of history,” he stated.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s First Republic, George cautioned that leaders who shield controversial political actors often bear the ultimate responsibility for the fallout. He referenced the 1962 Western Region crisis and warned against repeating historical mistakes that destabilized earlier democratic dispensations.
He further alleged that Wike is no longer a member of the PDP and accused the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Judiciary of enabling what he described as “shenanigans.”
“If there is any crisis in Nigeria, it will affect the entire African continent,” George said, adding that Nigerians would not tolerate actions capable of undermining democratic processes.
The PDP leader, who noted his experience both in the military and under civil democracy since 1999, emphasized that no individual, regardless of influence, should be allowed to subvert the will of the electorate.
“This is the time for Mr President to call these characters to order,” he concluded.
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