Peter Obi’s Meeting With Wike & Effect Of Their Possible Alliance On Atiku, Tinubu In The South

The visit of the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Dr. Peter Obi to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday may possibly be the beginning of political turbulence for the likes of Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar in the forthcoming general election.

Obi who visited the former PDP presidential aspirant in the government house on Wednesday did not disclose the content of discussion that went down between them behind the close door.

If speculation is however anything to go by, there might likely be an alliance between the two politicians anytime soon. Wike is believed to be aggrieved by the recent treatment he is getting from his Party, the People’s Democratic Party.

Having come second in the party’s presidential election, the Rivers Governor was expected to be nominated as a presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar. At the time when the news was everywhere that he has been chosen, the game suddenly changed and Ifeanyi Okowa emerged as vice presidential candidate.

Many believe that Governor Wike was played out of the contest and this could threaten his relevance in the party. Since then, all eyes have been on the governor on his possible next move. A few days ago, it was reported that Wike met with Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma. 

According to Uzodinma, it was a friendly meeting between the two Governors. Nigerians are however reading a bold handwriting on the wall. They feel there is more to the meeting and that will be cleared in due course. The meeting with Peter Obi is the second meeting Wike will be having with opposition party within a space of 48 hours.

As speculated by many Nigerians, if Wike and Obi’s alliance sail through, it may spell doom for PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and APC candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South.

For Tinubu, he may have to forget the bloc vote expected from the south East and South South in 2023. Knowing Wike for his Political strength in the South South, he is likely going to deliver the region for the Candidate of his choice who may likely be Peter Obi. 

Tinubu’s political structure is not well grounded in the South East and South South. This will be a good advantage for Obi and Wike to clip that region to their advantage.

In the same vein, Atiku despite having Okowa from Delta State as running mate, cannot still match the strength of Wike and Obi in the region. The South East people cannot abandon their son who has the chance of actualizing the South East presidency for another candidate from the North or South West. They will throw him their supports.

While Atiku may concentrate on the North for the large chunk of his vote, Bola Tinubu will settle for the South West and whatever he can get from the North. Peter Obi if he secures his alliance with Wike will take charge of the S/East and S/South.

This will end up being a spoil game for both Tinubu and Atiku who should have used the region a battleground after they must have secured their own regions.