Fayose Speaks On Tinubu Appointing Wike Minister, Ortom Joining APC

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, recognized the influence of the ‘Integrity Group’ within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), known as G5, in securing President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.

The G5 is made up of four PDP ex-governors: Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Nyesom Wike (Rivers) as well as one current governor, Seyi Makinde (Oyo).

While speaking on a program on Channels Television, Fayose stated that ex-Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has the requisite skills to be a minister. He emphasized that Wike “must serve” in Tinubu’s government.

Despite the praise for President Tinubu, Fayose confirmed that the G5 has no plans to switch from PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, he also advised that the PDP leadership should streamline their operations.

He said, “The former governor of Benue (Samuel Ortom) is the oldest by his age. If he is still decamping, his children must disown him. The Wike I know, forget that Wike will leave the PDP.”

Speaking on the possibility of Wike being in Tinubu’s cabinet, the ex-Governor of Ekiti State said, “What is wrong with that? How is anybody affected by that? I don’t want to be a minister but if Asiwaju (Tinubu) says ‘Fayose, you will be minister’ and I agree, what is their headache?”

“I want Wike to be in the cabinet. Wike has what it takes to serve Nigeria. Wike is an articulate, capacity person. Nigeria needs (an) average bad person. I support Wike. If Asiwaju finds him or any of the G5 worthy, please serve in Asiwaju’s government.

“I will be disappointed if Asiwaju does not equally appreciate them for what they stand to represent. Wike must serve. Wike is still a young man. I’m his senior brother, he can’t deny that. Wike is an asset to Nigeria. Wike is never timid, he confronts challenges. Asiwaju needs a man like Wike.”