With yesterday's court ruling that shook the APC in Rivers State, many political watchers in the South-East are whispering one name - Nyesom Wike.
The belief in many quarters is that Wike may have a hand in the political downfall of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who has been in loggerheads with Wike over the control of the Rainbow Coalition in the South-East.
Sources say Uzodinma and Wike fell out over who controls the structure of the Rainbow Coalition, Wike's new political movement that is fast becoming a third force ahead of 2027.
Uzodinma, who sees himself as the leader of APC in South-East, reportedly wanted to control the Coalition in Imo. Wike allegedly said no.
It is believed that Wike is now positioning his old friend, former Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha, to lead the Imo State chapter of the Rainbow Coalition.
As e de pain Hope Uzodinma, e de sweet Rochas Okorocha.
Recall that Okorocha and Uzodinma are sworn political enemies. Okorocha has never forgiven Uzodinma for taking over Imo APC structure and for the demolition of his properties.
Rochas was recently spotted at Wike's private meetings in Abuja. Insiders say Wike told Rochas: "Imo is yours, take it."
If this permutation plays out, it would mean:
1. Wike kills two birds with one stone - weakens Uzodinma in Imo and strengthens his Rainbow Coalition.
2. Rochas Okorocha returns as the face of opposition in Imo, backed by Wike's massive war chest.
3. The APC in Imo may suffer same fate as Rivers APC - total collapse.
For now, these remain speculations in the corridors of power. Neither Wike nor Okorocha nor Uzodinma has officially spoken.
But in Nigerian politics, where there is smoke, there is fire.
Is Wike really plotting Uzodinma's downfall to pave way for Rochas? Time will tell.
