Stay Away From Wike He Is an Enemy of the Igbo People — Ugochinyere Warns Tinubu

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Ikenga Ugochinyere, the representative of Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has publicly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to curb the actions of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of antagonism toward the Igbo people.

Speaking in Akokwa on Wednesday while formally defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action Peoples Party (APP), Ugochinyere criticized Wike for allegedly disrespecting John Azuta-Mbata, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. The lawmaker insisted that such behavior constitutes an affront to the Igbo community.

“Mr. President, when your minister attacks our tribe, it becomes an act of hostility against the Igbo nation, especially when he is not cautioned. You are the one losing in the end,” Ugochinyere said. He added that Wike’s ambition for a third gubernatorial term has turned dissenters into targets, warning that even Igbo leaders should not be subjected to such intimidation.

He further elaborated, “Hear what the Igbo people are saying: keep your distance from Nyesom Wike. He has made himself an enemy of our people by daring to insult our leader. This message must be clear. Do not invite him to any Igbo event.” Ugochinyere emphasized that only those pursuing personal gain around Wike should continue their association, while the Igbo nation deserves respect.

Ugochinyere also cited his reasons for leaving the PDP, highlighting internal disputes and systemic challenges. “From the first day we joined PDP until this very afternoon, we have been in court trying to defend the seat which they had not won in over fifteen years until we delivered it to them. After surviving all the troubles of the past three to four years, should we risk going through that again? Absolutely not,” he said.

He criticized party leadership for allegedly replacing state structures with members of a rival faction led by Austin Nwachukwu, who lost the PDP primary yet controlled delegate selection before defecting to the Labour Party. According to Ugochinyere, these issues left him with no viable option but to leave the PDP.

Expressing confidence in his new political home, he praised APP National Chairman, Barrister Uche Nnadi, for creating a party he described as visionary. “Today, APP has won its first seat in the Federal Parliament, and the second one will arrive in a matter of days,” Ugochinyere stated, underscoring his optimism about the party’s future trajectory.

Commentary and Analysis

Ugochinyere’s remarks illustrate ongoing friction between federal-level politicians and regional interests within Nigerian politics. By framing Wike as a threat to the Igbo people, he taps into ethnic sentiment while positioning himself as a defender of cultural leadership.

The defection also signals shifting alliances ahead of future elections, with APP presenting itself as an alternative for politicians disillusioned with both PDP and APC internal dynamics. Analysts suggest that Ugochinyere’s move could encourage other lawmakers dissatisfied with party management to explore new political platforms.

His emphasis on principled action, respect for traditional leadership, and strategic alignment with APP highlights a broader trend in Nigerian politics: the search for parties that combine ideological clarity with electoral viability. Observers will be watching closely to see whether this strategy will translate into broader influence for APP in the southeast and nationally.