A resurfaced video from 2019, showing current Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike advising a fellow governor to defy Bola Tinubu’s influence, has ignited a wave of satirical commentary online, casting a spotlight on the shifting allegiances in Nigerian politics. The clip, which features Wike counseling former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to resist Tinubu’s political machine, stands in stark contrast to his current role as a key appointee in President Tinubu’s administration.
The video prompted a pointed and succinct reaction from human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu, who simply wrote “Alcohol” on his social media platform. This single-word post was widely interpreted as a wry commentary on Wike’s political reversal, humorously suggesting that the intoxicating allure of power can reconcile past rivalries. The remark also playfully alluded to the Minister’s known affinity for whiskey.
Odinkalu’s post sparked a thread of lighthearted engagement from Nigerian netizens, with users employing terms like “Ogogoro”—a local term for a potent palm wine spirit—and laughing emojis. This blend of critique and amusement reflects a public accustomed to observing the flexible principles of its political class. The discourse extends beyond mere mockery, touching on broader themes of political memory and the pragmatic, often unpredictable, evolution of alliances.
The incident underscores a recurring narrative in the nation’s political landscape, where the past statements of public figures frequently resurface, creating moments of public reflection on consistency and realpolitik. Wike’s journey from a critic of Tinubu’s influence to a prominent member of his government serves as a compelling case study of the compromises and calculations that define contemporary political loyalties, reminding the public that in the dynamic arena of power, yesterday’s adversary can easily become today’s ally. See, More, Here>>>>
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