The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has described the reported presidential ambition of former Senator Sandy Onor as an extension of the political interests of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
The group said Onor’s aspiration should be viewed against the backdrop of the intense political realignments already taking shape ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, and Secretary, Dr. Julius Ochim Okputu, the forum alleged that the former senator was being projected to advance Wike’s strategic interests within the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to the statement, Wike’s influence extends beyond Rivers State and reflects an attempt to shape political outcomes across the South-South.
The forum argued that the reported presidential ambition lacked independent political foundations, insisting that Onor’s defeat in the 2023 governorship election demonstrated limited grassroots acceptance.
It noted that beyond losing the governorship election, the former senator also failed to secure victory in his own ward and local government area.
The forum maintained that presidential ambition should reflect broad national acceptance rather than political engineering by influential power brokers.
It warned against what it described as “proxy politics,” saying Nigerians deserve leaders with independent electoral legitimacy and demonstrable political strength.
The group called on political parties to prioritise credible leadership capable of inspiring public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle.