Crack in Wike’s Camp as Loyal Councillors Allegedly Assault Council Chairman
Tensions are building within the political camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following reports that councillors believed to be loyal to him allegedly assaulted a local government council chairman in Rivers State, raising questions about cohesion within his political structure.
The incident comes ahead of the 2027 general election, as Wike intensifies efforts to consolidate and retain control of political structures in the state through his recently unveiled “Rainbow Coalition.”
According to political sources familiar with developments in the area, the altercation reportedly occurred during a heated disagreement over leadership control and loyalty within the local council.
The councillors involved are said to be aligned with Wike’s faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while the chairman is believed to be perceived as insufficiently loyal to the coalition’s emerging power bloc.
Although details surrounding the incident remain hazy, witnesses alleged that the confrontation escalated into a physical assault, forcing security operatives and party elders to intervene.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Rivers State Police Command nor the affected council officials had issued an official statement confirming or denying the incident.
Political analysts say the development highlights internal strains within Wike’s expanding political alliance, which brings together politicians from different parties and ideological backgrounds under a single platform aimed at dominating Rivers politics ahead of future elections.
The Rainbow Coalition, announced earlier this year, was designed to neutralise opposition forces in the state and counter the growing influence of rival political camps.
However, observers note that rapid coalition-building often breeds internal rivalry, suspicion, and power struggles, especially at the grassroots level where access to resources and political relevance is fiercely contested.
A senior party source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the alleged assault reflects growing frustration among loyalists over control of council affairs and fears of being sidelined as political realignments intensify.
“This is about who controls the structure at the grassroots,” the source said. “Everyone wants to prove loyalty, and that is creating tension.”
The development has also raised concerns about the use of intimidation and violence in internal party politics, particularly as Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle.
Efforts to reach spokespersons for Wike and leaders of the Rainbow Coalition were unsuccessful as of press time.
As political maneuvering accelerates ahead of 2027, analysts warn that unresolved internal disputes within dominant political camps could weaken their electoral machinery and open opportunities for rival factions to gain ground in Rivers State.
