News
Obaseki Initiates Reconciliation with Wike Amidst Allegation of Sponsoring Shaibu

In a strategic move to secure support for Asue Ighodalo’s gubernatorial bid in the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has undertaken a series of political maneuvers. On the night of Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Obaseki, seeking endorsement for Ighodalo’s candidacy, approached Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State to facilitate a meeting with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, in Abuja, TheCable had reported.
The rendezvous as reported on Tuesday occurred at the Wells Carlton Hotel, with Governor Fintiri accompanying Obaseki and Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile a source privy to the meeting told this medium that Obaseki had during the meeting claimed that his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu was being sponsored by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Gbajabiamila. Obaseki urged against supporting Shaibu, asserting that he should not be trusted.
The source added that before this encounter with Wike, Obaseki had undertaken three secretive visits to Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, accompanied by former governor Udom Emmanuel. In these meetings, Obaseki reportedly repeated similar unfounded claims, accusing Shaibu of being sponsored by Wike to destabilize the PDP in Edo State.
In a separate meeting with Atiku supporters within the PDP, Obaseki once again targeted Wike, accusing him of supporting Shaibu against him due to Obaseki’s allegiance to Atiku. These actions by Obaseki reflect a divisive strategy aimed at destabilizing the party for the benefit of his preferred candidate, utilizing questionable means.
Obaseki’s pursuit of reconciliation and Wike’s support stems from the formidable opposition posed by the current deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives, both preferred candidates of Dan Orbih, a key ally of Wike in Edo State. In a bid to win over Wike, Obaseki proposed a deal to have Ogbeide-Ihama as Ighodalo’s running mate.
However, Wike reportedly declined Obaseki’s overtures, citing a lack of loyalty on Obaseki’s part towards those who have supported him in the past. Wike insisted on a fair and level playing field to ensure the emergence of the most acceptable candidate.
With the race for the PDP gubernatorial ticket in Edo State intensifying, Obaseki’s political maneuvering and reconciliation efforts highlight the fierce competition within the party. The outcome of the primary elections will undoubtedly shape the course of the PDP’s campaign leading up to the general elections, as Obaseki reportedly allocates substantial funds for printing party cards in the state.
News
PANDEF Clarifies Visit To Tinubu, Knocks Wike Over Inflammatory Comments

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to retract his publicly disparaging remarks made recently against the socio-political body.
PANDEF described as regrerrable and embarrassing comments by Wike in the aftermath of the group’s visit to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, even to the extent of insulting the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin.
Recall that the FCT minister had, on Thursday, during a media chat, described PANDEF as “the worst organisation anybody can rely on”, while also calling the board of trustee members of the body “political merchants”.
In a statement signed by PANDEF Chairman on Saturday in Abuja, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, urged President Tinubu as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent.
Igali clarified that the meeting with the president provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance. Adding that “PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.”
His words: ^To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six SouthSouth states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.
“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.
“The Honourable Minister (Wike) characterized PANDEF as the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.
“PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.
“Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region,” Igali stated.
On efforts to restore peace in River State, Igali restated PANDEF’s commitment for peace in the oil-rich State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis,” Igali stated.
News
IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court
News
Osun Amotekun recruits accuse Adeleke’s govt of nepotism
-
News8 hours ago
N10bn Alleged Loot: SGF Akume’s PA ,Torhile Uchi Turns Chinery
-
News13 hours ago
Obi donates N20m to Colleges of Nursing in Ahiara and Ihiala
-
News14 hours ago
Kano Emirate Tussle: Appeal Court halts Emir Sanusi’s reinstatement
-
News13 hours ago
Damagum bows as PDP Govs move to re-assert ‘selves over party affairs
-
News5 hours ago
IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court
-
News13 hours ago
Tinubu’s administration not running govt in secrecy — AGF Fagbemi
-
News13 hours ago
Starship to leave for Mars at end of 2026 – Elon Musk
-
News5 hours ago
2027: Oyetola’s leadership’ll pave way for APC’s victory in Osun — ex-Speaker