Wike Apologises to Oshiomhole, Regrets Working for Obaseki’s Re-Election

Wike Apologises to Oshiomhole, Regrets Working for Obaseki’s Re-Election
In a surprising political twist, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has publicly apologised to former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, expressing deep regret over supporting the re-election of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020. The apology marks a dramatic shift in the long-running political tensions among the three influential figures.
Wike, who was instrumental in Obaseki’s successful re-election campaign after the governor defected from the APC to the PDP, now admits that his earlier stance was misplaced. He revealed that he ignored warnings from Oshiomhole about Obaseki’s political tendencies and now believes the former APC chairman was right all along.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Rumuepirikom Flyover in Port Harcourt, Wike openly acknowledged his role in mobilising support and media machinery against Oshiomhole during the Edo governorship battle. He noted that he “came to Edo State to make sure your candidate didn’t win” and apologised for directing political firepower toward Oshiomhole during that period.
The Rivers governor went further to describe the irony of his political journey: those who hailed him during the 2020 Edo campaign, he said, now treat him as an enemy, while the man he opposed — Oshiomhole — has shown maturity and forgiveness. He described the reconciliation as part of leadership growth, emphasising that honest reflection and admitting one’s mistakes are essential qualities in public life.
Observers view Wike’s apology as a significant moment in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape, where alliances constantly shift and former rivals often become unexpected allies. The move is also being interpreted as a quiet indictment of Obaseki, with whom Wike has had multiple public fallouts in the years following the election.
The gesture raises questions about future political alignments, especially as Wike continues to recalibrate his position both within the PDP and in national political circles. Whether this reconciliation ushers in a new era of cooperation or represents another tactical political manoeuvre remains to be seen.
One thing, however, is clear: Wike’s public acknowledgement of regret adds a new layer to the ever-evolving story of political loyalty, trust, and betrayal in Nigeria’s democracy.