Minister Nyesom Wike revealed that late PDP chief Daniel Orbih rejected huge money offers to support his 2015 governorship dream.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has revealed how the late National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party for the South-South region, Chief Daniel Orbih, refused to take huge money and gift offers from political opponents who wanted him to abandon Wike’s governorship dream back in 2015.
The former Rivers State governor shared this emotional story during a night of tributes organized in Abuja on Wednesday evening, October 7, 2026, to celebrate the life and memory of Chief Orbih, who passed away on August 31 at the age of 64.
Speaking in front of family members, politicians, and friends gathered at the event hall, Minister Wike explained that between 2013 and 2014, when he was preparing to run for governor of Rivers State, he faced heavy political attacks and pressure. H
e noted that the sitting governor of Rivers State at that time sent several messengers and political leaders to Chief Orbih, offering him big promises, positions, and huge money just to make him drop his support for Wike.
However, the late politician rejected every single offer and chose to stay loyal to their friendship and political goal.
Remembering the strong loyalty shown by his late friend during that difficult campaign period, Minister Nyesom Wike stated: “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’”.
He explained that without the strong stand taken by Chief Orbih, it would have been extremely difficult for him to navigate the political storm and win the election at that time.
Highlighting the deep role the late party chief played in his rise to power, Wike noted that God used Chief Orbih as a key tool to open doors for his victory in 2015.
See Also: Clergyman Odumeje Slams FG For Celebrating Repairs Carried Out On Onitsha Overhead Bridge
He praised Orbih for using his personal money and influence across the South-South region to protect the campaign and bring people together.
Expressing his gratitude for the late leader’s sacrifice, Wike declared: “Today I am a Minister of the FCT; yesterday I was a governor. Who did God use for me to become governor? It was Dan”.
He further revealed that during the tough election campaign, Chief Orbih went as far as donating 2 brand new bulletproof Mercedes Benz buses to protect Wike and his team while traveling through dangerous campaign areas.
The FCT Minister also pointed out that despite all the big help and personal resources Chief Orbih poured into the 2015 election victory, he never came back to ask for government contracts, political favors, or personal money throughout Wike’s 8 years as governor of Rivers State. Wike described this selfless attitude as very rare among modern Nigerian politicians.
Praising the upright character of the deceased, Wike said: “Dan is not a typical Nigerian politician. Throughout my eight years as governor, he never came for one day, either by phone or coming to my house to say, ‘I need this contract.’ Never”. He urged young politicians across the country to learn from Chief Orbih’s honesty, true loyalty, and sacrifice.
Other political leaders present at the tribute night, including Senator Sandy Onor, also spoke fondly of Chief Orbih, describing him as a true patriot, a courageous party builder, and a devoted family man who spent his life serving the people.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
