The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed how the late National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South South, Chief Daniel Orbih, resisted intense political pressure and financial inducements to support his emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015. Wike made the revelation in Abuja during a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
Wike described Orbih, popularly known as Dan, as the political ally whom God used to clear the path for his emergence as Rivers governor, recalling the turbulent political atmosphere surrounding the 2015 governorship election. He said his relationship with Orbih became particularly significant between 2013 and 2014, when his governorship ambition was facing intense opposition and political manoeuvring.
According to Wike, opponents mounted enormous pressure on Orbih, who occupied the strategic position of PDP National Vice-Chairman in the South South, in an attempt to force him to abandon Wike’s candidacy. Wike said the pressure included attempts to financially induce the late politician, but Orbih remained resolute. Orbih even went beyond political backing by donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses and mobilising support across the South South during Wike’s campaign.
Wike said Orbih’s loyalty was particularly remarkable because it was not motivated by personal benefits. He disclosed that throughout his eight years as Rivers governor, Orbih never approached him personally or by telephone to demand a government contract, appointment or other favour. This conduct, Wike added, was evidence of genuine friendship and political loyalty.
The FCT minister described Orbih’s political influence as going beyond his support for individual politicians, saying his position as PDP National Vice-Chairman helped protect the interests of the South South and created opportunities for several politicians who later became lawmakers at both the national and state levels. Orbih's contributions to the political development of Edo State were significant, Wike noted.
Other prominent figures, including former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Magnus Abe, paid tribute to Orbih, describing him as a bridge-builder whose influence shaped political careers and strengthened democratic opposition in Edo State. Abe recalled that he served as the Director-General of Orbih’s first campaign when the deceased contested the governorship election on the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party.
Wike urged political stakeholders in Edo State to honour Orbih with a state burial, stressing that his impact on the political landscape deserved official recognition. The FCT minister also pledged to maintain a close relationship with Orbih’s family and work with them and other stakeholders to preserve the late politician’s legacy.
Key points
- Dan Orbih resisted intense political pressure and financial inducements to support Nyesom Wike's emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.
- Orbih provided practical support for Wike's campaign, including donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses and mobilising political structures across the South South.
- Wike described Orbih as a politician with genuine friendship and loyalty, who never demanded personal favours during his eight years as Rivers governor.
