Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike has become the centre of a deepening political controversy after spending several consecutive weeks outside the nation’s capital of Abuja. Instead of fulfilling his ministerial duties in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Wike has been touring local government areas across Rivers State, a move he describes as “thank-you” visits to communities that supported key political outcomes, but which critics argue are strategically aimed at consolidating influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Recent developments reveal growing tensions over governance, party politics, and administrative responsibility at both federal and state levels.
According to investigations by Nigerian press outlets, Wike’s extended absence from Abuja began in late December 2025. Since 26 December, he has visited at least 20 of Rivers State’s 23 local government areas, speaking at public events where his remarks increasingly intertwined expressions of gratitude with overt political messaging. During these visits, Wike has emphasised support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, accusing him of failing to honour a peace deal brokered by the presidency.
The timing of Wike’s engagements in Rivers has intersected with explosive political developments in the oil-rich state. The Rivers State House of Assembly recently initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngแปzi Odu. That move followed heightened friction between factions aligned with Wike — who was governor of Rivers from 2015 to 2023 — and those loyal to Fubara, who succeeded him in office. The impeachment process, which began shortly before Wike’s visit to Bonny Local Government Area, underscores the fragility of political cohesion in the state and reflects deeper contests over control of party machinery and state resources.
In addition to political fallout in Rivers, Wike’s move has provoked growing outrage among stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory. Workers within the FCTA have issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding resolution of longstanding labour and welfare issues, citing the minister’s prolonged absence as a key factor in administrative deadlock. The Joint Union Action Congress of the FCT highlighted unresolved issues including unpaid wage awards, failure to release approved overhead funds, staff intimidation, and problems with financial autonomy for departments and agencies. The unions warned they could embark on industrial action if their concerns are not addressed.
Human rights advocates and legal experts have also criticised the minister’s priorities. Lagos-based lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned Wike’s “political campaigns” during a period when he is constitutionally obliged to oversee security and governance in Abuja. Effiong highlighted recent security incidents in the capital — including brutal killings of civilians — and questioned why the minister was not present to address them. “It saddens me that campaigns have not commenced, but you have the former governor now going local government by local government basically campaigning ahead of next year 2027,” he said in a broadcast interview.
Political opposition figures have been equally vociferous. Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), called on Wike to resign from his federal post to focus on Rivers politics, stressing that his actions are undermining party cohesion. Basiru emphasised that Wike, who is not an APC member, lacks the mandate to influence party affairs while serving in the federal executive council. He also dismissed Wike’s allegations that APC leaders were manoeuvring for control of Rivers resources, labelling them unfounded and provocative.
A separate group of APC leaders amplified calls for Wike’s removal, delivering an open letter to President Tinubu that accused the minister of anti-party activities, alleged attempts to destabilise the ruling party’s structures, and conduct unsuited for his office. The letter was released in conjunction with a peaceful demonstration at the APC national headquarters in Abuja, illustrating the depth of discontent within party ranks.
Wike and his aides have defended the tour. His media team contends that he can manage ministerial duties remotely and that his visits to Rivers are meant to appreciate communities that contributed to electoral support in 2023. During engagements in areas such as Andoni, Wike has reiterated calls for unity and stressed the importance of cross-party collaboration that he frames as essential for development and stability ahead of 2027. He has referenced a “Renewed Hope Family” coalition — also known as the Rainbow Coalition — which he claims transcends party lines to back shared objectives.
However, not all voices in Abuja are convinced by this defence. Indigenous groups representing original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory have criticised the minister for disregarding traditional rulers and community stakeholders in Abuja. Leaders of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation say Wike has failed to engage with local leaders in the capital while directing his attention and federal resources toward political engagements in Rivers. They argue this has fostered resentment and marginalisation among residents who feel overlooked by federal governance.
Political analysts suggest that Wike’s actions reflect broader ambitions and strategic positioning within Nigeria’s fractious political landscape. His ability to mobilise support across Rivers and his vocal involvement in both Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC dynamics — including publicly defending political defections and commenting on party leadership disputes — indicate continued aspirations beyond his current ministerial role. Yet the overlap between official duties and active political involvement raises constitutional questions about the appropriate separation between governance responsibilities and electioneering activities ahead of the 2027 general polls.
Civil society organisations have urged the federal government to clarify the boundaries of ministerial conduct in the context of political engagements, emphasising that accountability to constitutional duties must not be overshadowed by political influence. As Rivers State navigates its political upheavals — including potential impeachment outcomes and shifting alliances — the impact of Wike’s extended tour on national electoral strategies remains a subject of intense debate. President Tinubu’s office has not issued a substantive response to calls for clarification on the minister’s role or absence.
As this controversy unfolds, Nigerians in both Abuja and Rivers await further developments that could define the balance between governance obligations and political ambition in Africa’s most populous democracy.
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