Nigerian businessman and political commentator Isaac Fayose has defended his relationships with relatives of prominent political figures, insisting that his support for Peter Obi and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) does not require him to abandon personal friendships or reject gestures of respect from people associated with opposing political interests. He maintained that his political activities are voluntary and financed through his personal resources rather than payments from politicians or political organisations.
Fayose's remarks followed controversy surrounding a photograph he shared with Joaquin Wike, son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The photograph attracted public attention on October 23, 2026, after social media users questioned why an outspoken supporter of Obi would associate with the minister's family despite his criticism of political developments involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Responding to the criticism, Fayose argued that political differences should not prevent individuals from exchanging greetings or maintaining respectful relationships. In remarks attributed to him, he questioned why he should reject Joaquin Wike or Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, if either approached him respectfully as an elder. He also insisted that nobody had paid him to support Obi, maintaining that he was spending his own money on the former Anambra State governor's political activities.
His explanation sought to distinguish personal relationships from political allegiance, a distinction that has become increasingly contested among supporters of Nigeria's leading political movements. Fayose's position is that his decision to support Obi should not be interpreted as an obligation to treat the relatives of political opponents with hostility or suspicion.
The latest controversy began after Fayose posted a photograph showing himself with Joaquin Wike. In the accompanying message, he described the minister's son as his younger brother and praised his character. The photograph quickly circulated online, attracting criticism from commentators who questioned the consistency of Fayose's political position.
Some social media users accused him of maintaining relationships with influential political families while presenting himself as a committed opposition supporter. Others argued that political disagreements should not determine personal associations, particularly when the individuals involved were not necessarily responsible for the political decisions of their relatives.
The disagreement followed an earlier controversy involving Fayose and Seyi Tinubu. In July 2026, a video circulated showing Fayose alongside Seyi Tinubu and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, during a gathering in Abuja where prayers were offered for President Tinubu, the participants and Nigeria.
The gathering prompted criticism from some supporters of Obi, who questioned whether Fayose's interaction with the president's son indicated a possible change in political allegiance. Fayose rejected suggestions that the meeting represented an endorsement of Tinubu's political programme, maintaining that his personal associations did not prevent him from supporting an opposition candidate.
The businessman subsequently expressed frustration over the criticism, arguing that his political commitment was voluntary and could not be dictated by individuals questioning his loyalty. He also referred to the resources he said he had committed to Obi's presidential campaign in 2023, questioning whether his contributions had received sufficient recognition.
In comments reported on July 17, Fayose stated that he could withdraw his support for Obi whenever he wished. His remarks highlighted his insistence that political participation remained a personal choice rather than a permanent obligation. However, the statement did not establish that he had withdrawn his support or entered into an arrangement with another political organisation.
The controversy took another turn on July 18 when Obi visited Fayose at his Abuja residence. Videos of the encounter showed the former presidential candidate engaging with the businessman following the criticism surrounding his meeting with Seyi Tinubu.
During the visit, Obi distanced his political movement from some of the hostile comments directed at Fayose. He suggested that individuals attacking the businessman online were not necessarily genuine supporters of his political activities. The meeting demonstrated that the earlier disagreement had not resulted in a publicly confirmed political separation between the two men.
Fayose had previously declared his willingness to follow Obi's political decisions. In May 2026, following reports concerning Obi's movement to the NDC, he defended the former governor against accusations of changing political parties and maintained that his support was based on confidence in Obi rather than attachment to a particular party platform.
His public political commentary has also extended to claims about relationships between the opposition and members of the ruling party. In September, Fayose alleged that five APC governors were secretly supporting the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections. He claimed that their interests included preventing Wike from securing political victories in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
The allegations were not independently substantiated, and the governors concerned were not publicly identified. They nevertheless attracted attention because of Fayose's increasingly prominent role in political discussions surrounding the opposition's preparations for the next presidential election.
Another controversy emerged in October when Fayose claimed that he had transferred ₦1 million to Lere Olayinka, a media aide to Wike, following an online giveaway. Fayose said Olayinka was among thousands of people who submitted bank account details after he announced the initiative.
He explained that the reported payment was intended to demonstrate that economic difficulties affected Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations. The transfer itself was presented as Fayose's account, rather than independently verified financial information, but his explanation generated further debate about his dealings with individuals associated with the governing establishment.
Against that background, the photograph with Joaquin Wike renewed questions about Fayose's political independence. However, the available reporting does not establish that his meetings with either Joaquin Wike or Seyi Tinubu involved financial inducements, political negotiations or an agreement to abandon Obi.
Fayose's latest response therefore centres on the principle that political disagreement should not eliminate personal courtesy. While critics continue to question his associations, he maintains that his support for Obi is independently financed and that respectful relationships with political opponents or their relatives do not automatically constitute a change in allegiance.
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