Wike’s Influence Is Not Grassroots- Epelle

Political analyst and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Apelle, has argued that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara enjoys greater grassroots support than Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, questioning the level of public backing for the Rainbow Coalition.

Apelle made the remarks during an interview with the News Central Breakfast team, where he discussed the political rivalry between Wike and Fubara, the coalition’s standing in Rivers State and the governor’s political influence.

“Wike’s influence is on camera; it is not grassroots. Say that I say so,” Apelle said, arguing that Fubara’s appeal among residents could give him an advantage in Rivers State politics.

“Fubara is likeable; likability works for him, even with all the going back and forth. He has a very likeable personality. Unfortunately, on where he (Wike) stands, I don’t think that people are following him,” he added.

Asked whether he supported the Rainbow Coalition, Apelle said he remained politically independent and was not aligned with any party.

“I don’t support any political party; I am strictly apolitical,” he said.

“I support Nigeria, I support the good people of Rivers State.”

On whether Rivers residents supported the coalition, Apelle questioned its visibility and grassroots reach, challenging journalists to assess public awareness of the group.

“You want the truth? I don’t think if you take a poll, and I am being very objective, if you take a poll, 5% of the entire Rivers State people have no support for the so-called Rainbow Coalition. They are not coalescing anywhere,” he said.

Apelle also rejected the suggestion that Wike could secure widespread public support through financial inducements, arguing that the minister’s resources would not necessarily translate into grassroots loyalty.

“I don’t see any amount of money he (Wike) has that he will distribute to all the Rivers indigent and get their support,” he said.

“It’s not possible. And there are people he cannot buy. Jake Epelle is one of them.”

The analyst was also asked about Wike’s declaration that he would resign if President Bola Tinubu failed to secure re-election in 2027.

Apelle argued that Wike’s political influence was linked to his position within the administration and access to state power and resources.

“Because Mr. President gives him the power. Can the FCT Minister say what he is saying? If he knows he won’t have the police…, can he say what he is saying if he doesn’t have the kind of money he has?” Apelle asked.

“And the question is what business did he do to have all that money?”

Discussing the political tensions between Wike and Fubara, Apelle suggested that the governor’s popularity and record of projects could explain why Wike’s camp remained interested in maintaining a political relationship with him.

“I think they are scared, they are scared of Fubara’s true political influence because, like I said, his likability- he is likeable by the people,” he said.

Apelle further claimed that Wike and his allies might have become concerned about projects undertaken by Fubara during his time in office.

“I think the Wike himself and his camp were becoming a bit jealous of the kind of progress, the kind of project, the kind of achievement that Fubara was on track,” he said.

He maintained that Fubara could have achieved more if his administration had faced fewer challenges.

“Fubara would have done better. Quote me, Fubara would have done better. There’s some very key project that this young man had done that Wike couldn’t have attempted,” Apelle said.

He cited the Calabar Ring Road and projects in Opobo as examples of developments he believed reflected Fubara’s approach to governance.

“Yes, Wike did some things in Opobo, but Fubara came and added innovation to many of the things they’ve done,” he said.

Apelle also expressed confidence in the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, predicting that it would stand out nationally when commissioned.

“Look, today, I can tell you pointedly that by the time they commission the State House of Assembly, it will be the best State House of Assembly in the whole of the country,” he said.