Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution in his political relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Oseni gave the warning while reacting to Wike’s recent statement that he could become a major target of opposition politicians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, should President Tinubu lose the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made the remark during a media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, where he defended his continued support for Tinubu’s re-election despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Thursday, Oseni questioned why Wike was apprehensive about a possible “witch hunt” by Atiku or Obi if he believed his political actions had been justified.

“So why is Mr Wike afraid today? Why is he afraid that if Atiku Abubakar gets in, he’s going to be witch-hunted?” Oseni asked.

He argued that while Wike had the right to reject Atiku’s candidacy, his actions as Rivers governor went beyond simply withholding political support.

“I don’t have problems with him not accepting to support Atiku, but what I have problems with is that he used his high-handedness as governor to ensure that Atiku did not campaign in Rivers State,” Oseni said.

The television host also questioned Wike’s concern about a possible confrontation with Peter Obi, referencing controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election.

“Mr Wike, why are you scared? Why do you think they will witch-hunt you? Is there anything you want to tell us? Because if you are proud of your actions, you should not fear a witch hunt,” he said.

Oseni subsequently urged Tinubu to be cautious in his dealings with Wike, warning that the former Rivers governor could publicly disclose details of their political relationship if they eventually fall out.

“You see, for all of those that do things with him, in all of this, the person I pity the most, and I have a very great pity for, is President Tinubu, because you see how Wike is revealing everything now.

“The day he quickly falls out with President Tinubu, this Wike will talk, and he will talk very well,” Oseni said.

He further cautioned Tinubu to ensure that whatever political arrangements exist between them could withstand public scrutiny.

“So, Babami, President Tinubu, I hope whatever you are doing with Wike are things that we can say in public. I’m just begging for posterity’s sake, because it is the height of delusion for President Tinubu to think that whatever ‘padi padi’ he is doing with Wike, if they are no longer together, Wike will not talk,” he added.

Oseni also recalled Wike’s past criticism of political godfatherism, particularly during the political crisis involving former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

“This was the same Wike, if you remember, when Ambode was going back and forth with President Tinubu, he told him that we don’t allow godfathers in Rivers.

“You were talking to President Tinubu then, now you people are aligning. Congratulations to you, because I’m saying this from experience,” Oseni said.

The Arise TV anchor said he knew people who had previously been close to Wike but had since fallen out with him, urging the President to be mindful of the potential consequences of their political alliance.

Wike has remained at odds with Atiku since the 2022 PDP presidential primary, which the former vice-president won ahead of the then Rivers State governor.