Dakuku Peterside Declares Political Allegiance, Distances Himself from Wike’s Camp/Vop

Rivers politician Dakuku Peterside has made his political stance clear, stating that while he aligns with former governor Rotimi Amaechi, he is not part of the camp led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Wednesday, Peterside, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), clarified his political affiliation amid ongoing tensions in Rivers State.

“I am a friend to Rotimi Amaechi,” Peterside declared. “I am not on the side of Nyesom Wike.” He further emphasized that he is also not politically aligned with the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

However, Peterside expressed his willingness to offer advice to the incumbent governor if approached, citing his history of providing guidance to previous administrations.

“When Nyesom Wike was governor, recall that I was consistently writing open letters to him, giving him my advice. I did that for some time. If Governor Fubara seeks my advice, of course, I am willing to give that, like many governors,” he said.

Rivers State’s Political Landscape

Rivers State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically charged states, largely due to its economic strength as an oil-rich region. The state is deeply fragmented, with multiple political camps vying for dominance.

Key figures include Wike, a power broker within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two-term governor (2015-2023), and Amaechi, a former transport minister and ex-governor (2007-2015), who also contested for the APC’s presidential ticket.

Beyond these two, other political forces in the state include Governor Fubara, former governor Peter Odili, former PDP national chairman Uche Secondus, Senator Magnus Abe, and businessman-politician Tonye Cole.

For over a decade, political rivalries and crises have defined Rivers State’s landscape, with each faction commanding a loyal base. Peterside’s latest declaration further highlights the ongoing political realignments in the state.