I have no problem with Wike despite his past against my principal – Governor Aiyedatiwa
I have no problem with Wike despite his past against my principal – Governor Aiyedatiwa
Pelumi Olukoya
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said he has no problem with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, despite the latter’s past political opposition to his former principal, late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, when he served as deputy governor.
Aiyedatiwa stated this while speaking in an interview with Channels Television on the controversy surrounding Wike’s Rainbow Coalition and its relationship with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor said he believed individuals had the right to associate with any political group or coalition of their choice, stressing that the formation of alliances was not inherently wrong.
He said several groups and individuals across the country, including those working for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, have formed different platforms in support of the President’s agenda.
The governor therefore said the Rainbow Coalition, which is associated with Wike, should not be viewed differently.
Aiyedatiwa also recalled Wike’s political role in Ondo State, noting that the FCT Minister had previously supported him despite belonging to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor said Wike had backed him during his governorship election even though he was a PDP member and had previously opposed his former principal.
“I don’t have an issue with Wike,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He recalled that while he was serving as deputy governor, Wike did not support his principal, but instead backed Eyitayo Jegede, the PDP governorship candidate in the state.
“There was a period when, as a deputy, he did not back my principal. Being a member of the PDP, he was lending his support. Still, he’s with PDP.
“He was on Jegede’s side during that period. He ventured all the way to the highest court in the land.
“He did, however, back me up when I ran for office. Despite his membership in PDP, he continued to back me. In my state, he voted against the PDP candidate,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The Ondo governor maintained that political differences should not necessarily translate into personal hostility, stressing that he had no reason to oppose Wike’s decision to belong to or support a political coalition.
His comments come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with different political actors and groups declaring support for President Tinubu and positioning themselves for the elections.
