PANDEF youth wing demands Wike’s removal, says he’s a ‘liability’ to Tinubu’s government

The national youth wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has asked President Bola Tinubu to remove Nyesom Wike as minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) for allegedly fueling political tension in Rivers state.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Donben Donyegha, PANDEF’s national youth leader, warned that Wike’s presence in Tinubu’s administration could jeopardise the president’s chances of re-election in 2027.

He claimed that the minister’s actions had alienated key political figures and communities in the south-south, making it difficult for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure votes in the region.

Donyegha alleged that Wike is causing disruption in the state and urged Tinubu to remove him as FCT minister.

“His presence in the administration is a liability, and his continued role threatens President Tinubu’s political future in 2027,” Donyegha said.

“The South-South will be very difficult for President Tinubu in 2027 because of the damaged Wike has already done.”

The PANDEF youths criticised Wike for “insulting” the Ijaw Nation during his recent media chat. The group issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the minister to issue a public apology.

It also condemned Wike for referring to the group as the “worst organisation to rely on”.

“We are deeply displeased with the insults by some of our leaders overseeing the six Niger Delta states, and by extension, nine oil-producing states that sustain the nation’s economy,” the group said.

“Their actions have left us saddened and angered. We demand an immediate retraction and apology from those who have disrespected this generation.

“A certain leader has made offensive remarks and insulted those who supported him in the past. We insist that within 48 hours, he must issue a public apology.

“Our leaders recently visited the President to promote peace in the region, particularly between the Governor of Rivers State, who is doing commendable work, and the FCT Minister.

“However, instead of supporting this effort, the FCT Minister disparaged our elders, falsely claiming they were seeking financial gain.

“Such an act of disrespect will not be tolerated. As Niger Delta youths, we will not tolerate this insult on our leaders. His claims that the region is powerless are baseless. We challenge him to visit the Niger Delta, including Edo, Delta, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States.

“His behaviour is a disgrace to the President’s administration, and we call for his immediate removal as FCT Minister.

“We have no confidence in Wike. We are calling on President Tinubu to withdraw him as a minister and subject him to the investigation of the Code of Conduct Bureau for breaching various infractions in office.”