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Tag: Wike

Wike Attributes Rift With Makinde To Denied Ministerial Appointment

Wale busari04 mins

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that tensions with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde began after Makinde was denied a ministerial appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Wike shared the details during a media briefing on Monday, providing insights into the underlying political issues within the G5 group, a coalition of former and serving governors who collaborated during the 2023 elections. According to Wike, the disagreement emerged when Makinde’s nominee was not given a ministerial slot, despite prior expectations within the group. “What we are dealing with today is that he was not given any ministerial slot,” Wike said. “Even when he was expressing it, his anger was visible. He didn’t need to tell anyone; we could see it. We told him, ‘calm down.’” Wike added that efforts were made to explain the circumstances behind the appointments, including visits to President Tinubu, in an attempt to pacify Makinde. “We went back home and explained why we met the President. We told him to take it easy, noting that there were certain factors he may not have considered. But something had to be done,” he said. Despite these efforts, Wike said Makinde appeared to have “already made up his mind,” making reconciliation difficult. Wike also recalled an earlier incident that, in his view, reflected Makinde’s temperament. “I remember when the Rivers State Government held a reception for me. Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom spoke and said they were going to support the President for a second term,” Wike said. “But the next day, Seyi Makinde responded, questioning Ortom’s statement. I called him and said that even if Ortom spoke, he didn’t need to go that far. A simple response could have been, ‘Let’s call a day; it’s too early for that kind of statement.’” Wike compared Makinde’s reactions to someone who achieves success too quickly and lacks patience. “Sometimes when you make your first one million dollars, you react too early. You forget that Dangote didn’t make his first million overnight, but today he is the richest man in Africa,” he noted.

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Wike Declares Backing Tinubu Won’t Guarantee Fubara 2027 Governorship Ticket

Wale busari05 mins

Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not automatically secure Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara a ticket for the 2027 governorship election. Wike made the statement over the weekend during a visit to Emohua Local Government Area, in what is widely seen as a new escalation in his ongoing political feud with Fubara. The two leaders have been at odds for years over control of Rivers State politics, a conflict that previously led to the burning of the State House of Assembly complex and prompted President Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in the state. The crisis also resulted in the defection of 27 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers loyal to Wike to the All Progressives Congress (APC), triggering multiple court battles. Additionally, several caretaker committee chairmen aligned with Fubara defected to the Action People’s Party (APP) ahead of local government elections and went on to win their seats. During the height of the standoff, President Tinubu reportedly brokered a peace agreement between Wike and Fubara, with sources claiming that one condition of the settlement was that Fubara would not contest the 2027 governorship election. Following the end of the state of emergency in September and the reinstatement of the deputy governor and lawmakers, political observers expected calm to return. Earlier this month, Fubara officially defected from the PDP to the APC after meeting President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He later announced his defection at a Government House event in Port Harcourt, pledging his support for the President, days after some state assembly members had also joined the APC. Responding to Fubara’s defection, Wike downplayed the significance of such support, stressing that aligning with Tinubu does not guarantee electoral success. “The issue is not whether you support Tinubu or not. That decision was taken long ago. Nobody needs to come here to tell me they are for Tinubu. Supporting Tinubu will not earn anyone a ticket,” Wike said. He added, “The Rivers State House of Assembly has done its job. They were the first in Nigeria to declare that, on your mandate, they would stand. So the Tinubu issue is no longer an issue. Who in Rivers State is not for Tinubu? That alone cannot guarantee anyone a ticket. “The same people who recently made public declarations are the same ones who took the Assembly to court seeking to have their seats declared vacant. All those now chanting ‘on your mandate we stand’ failed when it mattered most. They could not vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “We have never wavered in our support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. When we take decisions, we do so out of conviction, not because of what others are doing.”

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Makinde Rules Out Supporting Tinubu In 2027, Tells Wike To Allow Free Political Choices

Wale busari05 mins

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has stated that he will not back President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, while calling on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to respect the right of others to make their own political decisions. Makinde made the remarks on Tuesday during a media interaction in Ibadan, where he expressed shock over reports that Wike had promised to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Tinubu ahead of 2027. “I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock. Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not,” Makinde said. The PDP governor recalled making it clear to Tinubu that he could not assist in building the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State. “I said, no, sir, I can never help you organise the APC in Oyo State because I am of the PDP,” he said. Makinde stressed that while Wike is entitled to support Tinubu, other party members should also be free to take independent political positions. “The real issue is that Wike would like to support the President for 2027. That’s fine; it is within his rights. But some of us want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria and that the PDP survives as well. He should allow us to make our own choices,” he said. He explained that attempts to resolve the matter quietly were unsuccessful, leading to a direct confrontation. “I tried to engage him through a mutual friend, but when he did not back off, I confronted him directly. From that day, I made it clear I would never be part of this. Wike can support him, but it is also within my right to decide who I will support or what I will do in 2027. This explains the current conflict within the PDP.” Makinde added that his immediate focus is preserving the PDP and preventing Nigeria from drifting into a one-party system. “Some of us want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria. We don’t want to drift into a one-party state, and we want to ensure that the PDP survives,” he said. Turning to governance, Makinde said his administration is prioritising opportunity creation over direct handouts in tackling poverty. “We will not give people handouts in Oyo State. Instead, we will create a conducive environment for people to thrive,” he said. He cited the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SEFA) programme as an example, explaining that subsidies are targeted at boosting productivity. “For the 20,000 people using our state transport system, including vulnerable persons, students, the elderly, and the physically challenged, they pay half the price. That money is subsidising productivity. You don’t get on the bus just because it’s cheaper; you get on it because you’re going somewhere important, likely to result in something productive,” Makinde explained. Makinde and Wike were among PDP figures who supported Tinubu in the 2023 elections, but his comments reflect deepening divisions within the party as preparations for 2027 intensify.

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Tinubu Celebrates Wike On His 58th Birthday

Wale busari02 mins

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

Wale busari05 mins

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

Wale busari03 mins

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

Wale busari04 mins

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

Fola Badmus03 mins

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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