“Is PDP even aware of the gem they’re sitting on? That’s how Tony Okocha opened the room when he issued his dramatic plea: “Wike should dump PDP and join APC—to lead us.”
Nothing says political drama like a plea wrapped in entitlement, bolstered by name-dropping—after all, it was Wike who delivered Rivers State to Tinubu’s presidential bid, Okocha reminded us. Cue record scratch. In bold strokes, he’s telling us that if repeating history, why not do it under the APC banner?
The Humble Offer That Packs A Punch
Picture a politician clearing his throat mid-dinner party, leaning in and whispering, “Honestly, I feel we’re undervaluing your talent, why not switch teams and shine brighter?” That’s Okocha’s delivery: cheeky, earnest, and maddeningly awkward. He’s not just seeking a defection; he’s demanding validation that Wike, a political titan, deserves better than PDP’s lukewarm embrace.
Okocha made the call on Tuesday while addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers APC Chairman, however, said that apart from Wike, the APC is also wooing other prominent politicians in Rivers State, including members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, to join the party.
Also Read: Rivers Council Elections: Suspended Governor Fubara, Loyalists Absent as APC Secures Majority
He revealed that the APC, which won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government elections in Rivers State, intentionally did not field chairmanship candidates in three LGAs, Obio/Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Port Harcourt City, where the PDP won because the party is not popular in those areas.
“We didn’t field candidates for Port Harcourt City, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Obio/Akpor LGAs because we know we won’t win in those areas,” Okocha said.
He also disclosed that all former members of the PDP who contested the local government elections on the APC platform formally defected from their former party, but they chose not to make it public.
“Those former PDP members who contested as candidates of the APC actually defected to the APC. We decided not to make it public,” he said.
The Irony Cocktail: Praise, Ambition, And Gaslighting
Here’s where the story sizzles with drama: Praising Wike’s Infrastructure Legacy while subtly dismissing PDP’s political capital? Bold move.
Painting APC as bleeding, in need of a “saviour”—only to extend the red carpet to a PDP heavyweight? A little chess whisper to the base.
Hinting at entitlement: “You delivered Rivers. You deserve leadership.” Translation: “You owe us.”
It’s political theatre with a cocktail of humility and haughtiness.
With Or Without Wike In APC, The State Moves
The truth is, Wike’s decision won’t just tilt the balance, it will scramble it. Peace, factional tensions, judges, the judiciary, your uncle’s fisherman plot—all bets are off. Defection or defiance, Rivers State politics just became a must-watch soap opera again.
A Political Message
Story of the day: A man says, “We lost, but I know someone who wins—come home and lead.” If that isn’t Nigerian politics in a nutshell, I don’t know what is. Whether Wike decamps or stays loyal, Okocha’s pitch has already added popcorn value to the political season.
