Tinubu Celebrates Wike On His 58th Birthday

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13. President Tinubu celebrated with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage. The President described Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results. President Tinubu acknowledged the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road. The President commended Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments. President Tinubu thanked the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT. “Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers. “I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.

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We Won’t Allow Newcomers to Destroy PDP, Wike Says as NEC Forms Caretaker Committee

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow newcomers from other parties to undermine the party’s legacy. Wike made the statement on Sunday during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the PDP, held at his official residence in Abuja. He criticized the Tanimu Turaki-led faction for allegedly disregarding court rulings by holding what he described as an “illegal convention,” emphasizing that respecting judicial processes is essential to restoring public confidence in the party. Wike accused the faction of ignoring two Federal High Court judgments while proceeding with their own convention and later approaching a State High Court for recognition. “You went to a State High Court to sue the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking that the convention must take place. You obtained an ex parte order to override Federal High Court judgments. How do you disobey two final rulings and still claim leadership?” he asked. He added that the same group later sought validation from a Federal High Court after failing to comply with lawful rulings. “You had the convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a Federal High Court to recognise you. If INEC already recognised you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he questioned. Wike warned that such actions could threaten the party’s future, stressing that leadership requires commitment and honesty, not selfish interests. “We must not allow our party to die. Leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda. If we don’t respect our own laws, how do we earn respect from Nigerians?” he said, calling on party members to support lawful leadership and work together to rebuild the PDP based on democratic principles and judicial integrity. At the meeting, participants urged the NEC to establish a Caretaker Committee ahead of the expiration of the current National Working Committee (NWC) tenure on Tuesday. Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), said the move aligns with the party constitution to ensure continuity, unity, and stability. He added that caretaker leadership is also being implemented in states and zones, including Anambra and the South-East, to address gaps where congresses were not previously held. The NEC subsequently constituted a 13-member National Caretaker Committee, headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary, to manage party affairs until a national convention is conducted. Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) was appointed National Legal Adviser, and Umar Bature became National Organising Secretary. Other members of the caretaker committee include Dr Kyari Grema, Janguda Mohammed, Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof. Adenike Ogunse, Bisi Kolawole, Deji Doherty, and Dr Ibrahim Aboki. The committee has been given a 60-day mandate to oversee the party, conduct all pending congresses, and organize a national convention. (NAN)

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Wike Insists On Staying In PDP Amid Lawmakers’ Defections To APC

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, insisting he will not follow the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and 15 other lawmakers who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Speaking after inspecting road projects in Abuja, Wike described the defections as a consequence of the deepening divisions within the PDP but stressed that he remains committed to the party. “I am still in the PDP. Out of 27 members, 16 or 17 have left, but we still have a good number, about 10, and we will continue to work together,” he said, emphasizing his determination to stay. He called on PDP leaders to act swiftly to resolve the crisis threatening the party’s unity. “If you don’t put your house in order, it is the party that suffers. Those who have left are free, but those who remain will continue to work together,” Wike added. Responding to viral claims that he had been arrested in France, Wike dismissed the reports as false and politically motivated. “Last time, they said I was sick and flown abroad. Now, they claim I was arrested in France. I am focused on my work, and distractions will not deter me,” he said. Wike reiterated that his priority is delivering on his mandate and maintaining the confidence of President Bola Tinubu. “As long as the President is satisfied with my work, I will continue to focus on performance. Criticism will not sway me from my commitment to the PDP,” he said. He added that consistent performance and dedication to the party will eventually quiet critics. “People will ignore lies over time. Critics will always play politics, but I remain focused on my work and loyal to the PDP,” Wike concluded.

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PDP Issues Expulsion Certificates To Wike And Other Former Members

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially issued expulsion certificates to Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and other members earlier removed from the party during its national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. In an update shared on the party’s X page, the certificates were handed out at a National Working Committee meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja. The session also marked the formal transfer of national leadership from Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Senator Kabiru Turaki. The November 16 convention had upheld the expulsion of Wike and several others for alleged anti-party activities, a decision Turaki said the committee reviewed before finalizing the issuance of certificates. According to him, Nigerian law does not permit dual party membership, and the PDP wanted to make the transition easier for those affected. Direct quotes requested are included below without introductory phrases: “We have taken note of the fact that Nigerian law frowns on dual membership of political parties, and so we have sought to make it easy for them. “Now that they are no longer members of our party… we have decided to issue them certificates of expulsion. “So that, when they go to register with other political parties… they will show these certificates as proof that they are no longer members of the PDP.” The certificates were dispatched via courier to all affected individuals, including Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna, George Turna and Chief Dan Orbih. Turaki also stated that relevant institutions — including INEC, police, DSS, and NSCDC — have been notified of the members’ status. He added: “The Nigeria Police… and other government agencies should know that these people are no longer members of our party. They have been expelled. They remain expelled.” He further hinted that the PDP will soon issue public disclaimers, warning that anyone dealing with the expelled individuals does so “at his or her own risk.” Turaki concluded that the party is now focused on stabilising its internal structure and preparing to present Nigerians with stronger leadership options ahead of the 2027 elections.

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FCT Administration Under Wike Restates Ban on Smartphones, Allows Only ‘Torchlight Phones’ During Work Hours

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its prohibition on the use of smartphones and other smart devices by staff on Grade Level 14 and below during official working hours, SaharaReporters has learnt. The directive, issued through a circular dated November 28, 2025, applies to all personnel of the Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS). Signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), on behalf of the Acting Director of Administration, the memo states that full enforcement of the policy will begin on Monday, December 1, 2025. According to the circular, the ban covers smartphones, smartwatches, and all internet-enabled devices, which staff are no longer permitted to use or possess within office premises while on duty. To ensure compliance, secured storage cabinets have been provided where affected staff must deposit their devices upon arrival. Access to these gadgets will only be permitted during designated break periods. The memo also referenced a staff general meeting held on November 18, 2025, where workers reportedly agreed that only basic “torchlight phones” without internet capability would be allowed for essential communication. “Affected officers are hereby reminded of our collective resolution that only torchlight phones without any internet facilities will be allowed for communication during office hours,” the circular read. It further warned that any violation of the policy would attract appropriate disciplinary action. Management staff have also been directed to ensure strict compliance among their subordinates. Earlier this month, SaharaReporters reported that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered a sweeping ban on mobile phone use among AGIS and Land Administration staff. The initial directive, issued by AGIS Director Chijioke Nwankwoeze, prohibited officers on Grade Level 14 and below from entering office premises with their phones beginning November 12, 2025. The policy, which has generated significant debate, is being justified by authorities as a measure to improve productivity and reduce data leaks within critical land administration units.

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Wike’s PDP Faction Heads to Court to Void Ibadan Convention

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has taken fresh legal action, asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to invalidate the national convention held in Ibadan by the camp aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/250/2025, the plaintiffs — the PDP, Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu — are urging the court to declare the November 15–16 Ibadan convention “null, void and of no effect.” They also want the Independent National Electoral Commission barred from recognising any decisions or officers produced by the exercise. This latest lawsuit follows a series of earlier challenges by aggrieved members who argued that proceeding with the convention violated the PDP constitution, the Electoral Act, and several court rulings. Among those who had previously gone to court were Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia PDP Chairman Amah Abraham Nnanna, and South-South PDP Secretary Turnah Alabh George. Ahead of the event, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court restrained INEC from recognising the convention, while Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the exercise could not hold until former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido — who was barred from purchasing a nomination form — was allowed to participate. However, the Makinde-led faction secured a counter-order from Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, permitting the convention to go ahead. Despite the conflicting judicial positions, the Ibadan convention proceeded under tight security. During the event, Anyanwu, Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and eight others were expelled from the party. In the new suit dated November 21, the plaintiffs listed 18 defendants, including INEC, the Inspector-General of Police, the FCT Commissioner of Police, the State Security Service, and several PDP officials. They argue the convention was held “in flagrant disregard” of three existing Federal High Court orders and are seeking to stop the recognition of the newly elected officers, regain control of party offices at Wadata Plaza and Legacy House, and compel security agencies to enforce previous judgments. They also want the court to determine whether any authority can legally acknowledge the Ibadan convention given the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the PDP constitution. The matter is yet to be assigned to a judge, and no date has been fixed for hearing.

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Wike Says Critics Who Mocked His Tinubu Ties Now Flocking to APC

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Warns Ground Rent Defaulters Of Property Forfeiture

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has warned ground rent defaulters in the territory that their properties could be forfeited to the FCT Administration if they fail to meet the payment deadline. Speaking to journalists yesterday after inspecting key infrastructure projects in Wuse and Life Camp, Wike stressed that no further extensions would be granted, noting that the two-week and presidential grace periods given four months ago have long expired. He cautioned that FCTA officials would seal the premises of defaulters, and ownership of such properties would automatically revert to the government. “If you have not paid, we will seal up the premises and the property becomes the property of the FCT Administration. It is unfortunate that many Nigerians who complain are unwilling to follow the rules. When we started enforcement, there was even a presidential intervention giving them extra time. But it has been over four months, and we cannot implement projects without tax compliance. This is the last extension,” Wike said. The minister also provided updates on ongoing projects, including the Transit Way N2 linking the Central Business District to Wuse, and the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) from Life Camp Junction to Karmo, expressing satisfaction with progress and quality of work, and noting contractors’ assurances of timely completion. On the Abuja bus terminals, Wike said the procurement process is expected to conclude before year-end, adding that the administration is reviewing applicants and their fleet sizes to ensure smooth operations.

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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Announces Crackdown on Ground Rent and Land Use Defaulters

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that enforcement actions against defaulters of Ground Rent payments and Land Use Change/Conversion fees will begin on November 26. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, made the announcement in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Olayinka recalled that, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, Wike had granted defaulters a 14-day grace period to settle outstanding Ground Rent as of May 26. “The 14-day grace expired on June 9, over five months ago,” he said. He also referenced previous publications in national newspapers and online platforms regarding the revised Land Use/Purpose Clause, which gave defaulters 30 days to pay violation fees of N5 million and other applicable charges for land use changes or conversions. A final grace period of 14 days was granted for properties in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse districts, which will expire on Monday, November 24. Olayinka stated that enforcement will commence from Wednesday, November 26, targeting all defaulters, including property owners who purchased land without completing mandatory registration and obtaining Ministerial Consent. He added that the FCT Administration (FCTA) will also act against defaulters of Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, including property purchasers who have not registered their interests or completed their Deeds of Assignment.

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