A proud Igbo man of Ikwerre descent has dismissed recent remarks by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declaring that he is not Igbo and would never identify as such. The Ikwerre man, who shared his thoughts on social media, accused Wike of inconsistency and political opportunism, drawing parallels to the minister’s past statements about the APC party.

The social media post highlighted Wike’s infamous declaration in 2021, where he vowed never to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he then described as a “cancerous party.” Despite this, Wike later joined forces with the APC, actively supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 elections and subsequently accepting a ministerial role in Tinubu’s government.

According to the Ikwerre man, Wike’s denial of his Igbo identity is no different from his political flip-flops. He accused Wike of aligning with anti-Igbo sentiments for temporary political gains and favor with those using him to undermine the Igbo community. He predicted that Wike would eventually change his stance and embrace his Igbo roots when it suits his interests, just as he did with his political affiliations.

The controversy stems from Wike’s recent comments during a media chat in Abuja, where he distanced himself from the Igbo identity in response to the election of John Azuta Mbata, an Ikwerre man, as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Wike stated, “I am an Ikwerre man, not Igbo. I will not, under any circumstances, compromise my identity for the sake of recognition. Nothing will ever make me identify with the Igbo, even if it negatively affects my presidential ambition in the future.”

The remarks have sparked widespread reactions, with critics accusing Wike of denying his heritage for political expediency. Some have pointed to historical and cultural links between the Ikwerre people and the Igbos, challenging Wike’s assertion that he is not Igbo.

This is not the first time Wike’s words have come under scrutiny. In 2021, following the defection of Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi to the APC, Wike made headlines for categorically rejecting any possibility of joining the APC, only to later align with the same party. Critics now argue that his statements on identity could follow a similar trajectory.

The Ikwere man’s response highlights the ongoing debate about identity and political allegiance within the context of Nigerian politics, particularly regarding the relationship between the Ikwerre people and the broader Igbo community. Many within the broader Igbo and Ikwerre communities call for unity and the preservation of shared cultural heritage, regardless of political differences.