Prominent Nigerian social commentator Ada Magaji Osekema has called for the removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a lighthearted post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, April 24, Osekema urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instead assign Wike multiple, overlapping ministerial responsibilities, drawing a parallel to Babatunde Fashola’s tenure as Minister of Power, Works and Housing from 2015 to 2019.
Osekema's Proposal for Wike
Osekema, co-founder of the Nigerian Humanist Organisation, wrote: “I want President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to sack Nyesom Wike as FCT Minister and immediately make him double as the Minister of Power/NEPA, Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure. I just want to see something.” The comment reflects ongoing political conversations in Nigeria's governance landscape.
Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), openly supported President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections and later accepted the FCT ministerial appointment. Despite his PDP affiliation, he has remained loyal to the APC-led administration.
Wike Reaffirms Support for Tinubu
In late March, Wike restated his support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. He denied endorsing any aspirant for the Rivers State governorship election, stating that the only endorsement he currently recognizes is for the president. He emphasized that the decision to endorse any candidate remains within the purview of party elders.
Addressing a joint gathering of APC and PDP stakeholders from Rivers State at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, Wike cautioned against the “rush” for endorsements and internal divisions caused by personal ambitions. He also dismissed claims that the crisis-hit PDP might not remain relevant in the next election cycle, asserting that the party will be on the ballot in 2027 and make a significant impact.
Political Analyst Warns Wike
Earlier, Nigerian journalism professor and public affairs analyst Farooq Kperogi warned that Wike may be overplaying his hand. In his column, Prof. Kperogi stated that Wike risks being sidelined by the APC-led administration and could fall out with the Nigerian leader, potentially facing a stunning political setback.
The call for Wike's removal and the assignment of multiple portfolios has sparked debate among political observers, with some viewing it as a test of Tinubu's willingness to reshuffle his cabinet ahead of the 2027 elections.
