By Abubakar Yunusa
The Odua People’s Assembly has accused former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, of deliberately destabilising governance in the state and undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Richard Olatunji Kayode, alleged that Wike’s actions since the transfer of power to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have been “alarming and destructive.”
According to the group, Wike has allegedly been using thugs and corrupt elements in the judiciary to frustrate the Fubara administration, warning that his political manoeuvres could plunge Rivers State into chaos.
“These are not mere political disagreements,” the statement read. “They are calculated efforts to sabotage governance and weaponise state institutions against perceived opponents.”
OPA further accused the former governor of fanning the embers of division within the Peoples Democratic Party by aligning with factions opposed to the party’s leadership, a move it said had weakened the PDP’s national structure.
“The internal crisis in the PDP has worsened because of Wike’s interference,” Kayode stated. “He is eroding party unity and promoting confusion among loyalists.”
The group also claimed that Wike’s alleged meddling extended beyond the PDP to other opposition parties such as the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress, saying such actions have caused infighting and disillusionment among their members.
OPA called on the international community to intervene, describing Wike’s alleged conduct as “a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.”
“It is imperative for global actors to recognise that these actions go beyond local politics,” the statement added.
“They endanger the rule of law and democratic governance in Nigeria.”
The group urged world leaders, civil society organisations, and local stakeholders to take a stand against “forces that seek to undermine democracy” and to ensure transparency, judicial independence, and accountability in Nigeria’s political system.
OPA reaffirmed its commitment to defending democracy, insisting that it would “not remain silent in the face of tyranny and corruption.”
