Wike: Orbih Rejected Amaechi’s Inducements to Abandon My Governorship Bid

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has recalled how late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Daniel Orbih resisted pressure and alleged inducements to withdraw his support for Wike’s bid to become governor of Rivers State.

Wike spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, the former PDP National Vice-Chairman for the South-South, who died on August 31, 2026, at the age of 64.

According to Wike, the pressure came during the politically turbulent period of 2013 and 2014, when he was seeking the PDP governorship ticket in Rivers State. He said then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi allegedly sent people to Orbih with offers aimed at persuading him to abandon the campaign.

“There was nothing in this world that was not done to induce him. My governor then sent people to Dan, offered him everything in this world, but Dan stood firm and said, ‘No, I will not accept, I will not agree,’” Wike said.

The FCT minister credited Orbih with playing a major role in his eventual emergence as Rivers governor in 2015. He said Orbih supported his campaign as the PDP’s South-South National Vice-Chairman, including by providing two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses for his security and mobilising political support across the region.

Wike also praised Orbih for what he described as his lack of personal demands during his eight years as governor. He said the late politician never approached him for contracts or government patronage, despite the political support he had provided.

The minister further argued that Orbih’s political influence extended beyond his relationship with Wike, saying his efforts helped several lawmakers and politicians in the South-South. He also called for Orbih to receive a state burial in recognition of his contributions to political development in Edo State.

Other political figures at the tribute also highlighted Orbih’s influence. Senator Magnus Abe said Orbih introduced him to politics and described him as a “bridge builder”, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole said Orbih’s opposition during his tenure as Edo governor forced him to think more carefully about his decisions and ultimately made him a better governor.

Oshiomhole also recalled that he and Orbih renewed their relationship at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt after a prolonged political disagreement. He said Orbih built bridges of unity and remained committed to the development of his community.

PDP presidential candidate Senator Sandy Onor described Orbih as a public intellectual, patriot and defender of Edo heritage, while Wike said he would maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and work with them to preserve his legacy. Funeral arrangements released by the family show that Orbih’s final rites will take place in Ogbona, Edo State, following the Abuja tributes.