A new wave of political intrigues are reportedly unfolding in Rivers State as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is allegedly losing influence with President Bola Tinubu amid rising pressure from both domestic and international stakeholders.
Sources privy to the development have revealed that Tinubu’s inner circle has grown increasingly wary of Wike, who has faced a wave of controversies since joining the federal cabinet.
While the president belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike remains a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is now divided in factions by internal wranglings.
“Wike is desperate to impress Tinubu. Meanwhile, the President’s political gladiators told him to ditch the minister, who is enmeshed in various scandals,” one of the sources said.
Recall that on Wednesday, the Rivers State House of Assembly voted in favour of President Tinubu, praising his leadership and encouraging him to run for a second term.
Majority Leader Hon. Major Jack and 25 other members sponsored the motion that led to the resolution’s adoption at the House’s 37th Legislative Sitting.
The lawmakers mentioned federal initiatives in the state, such as the East–West Road and the Bonny–Bodo Road, and commended Tinubu for appointing Rivers indigenous people to important federal jobs.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule called Tinubu a “compassionate” leader whose policies have made more money accessible to municipal and state governments, allowing them to fulfil commitments like wage payments.
The lawmakers also pointed out that Tinubu had not discriminated against PDP members while being an APC member.
The Assembly decided to back the President and rally supporters for the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
However, sources also stated that Christian and Muslim leaders, many of whom have expressed significant opposition to Wike’s prolonged power, as well as the US administration, are thought to be mounting pressure on the President.
“Wike reportedly asked the Rivers State Assembly members loyal to him to pass a vote of confidence in Tinubu which they did but feelers from the Presidency suggest that the President is not impressed as he faces pressure from the US and Christian and Muslim leaders who also can’t stand the minister,” one of the sources said.
According to reports, Wike has reached an agreement with the Rivers Assembly to formally defect to the APC on Friday (tomorrow), assuming all goes according to plan, in an attempt to regain his relevance.
Political analysts point out that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has gained momentum as a result of Tinubu’s recent proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Wike is reportedly becoming more and more isolated as the governor, who has rejected offers to join the APC, enjoys strong grassroots support.
“Tinubu realised that after the state of emergency action he took in Rivers State, the people of the state are with Governor Sim Fubara and not Wike and Fubara too is so solid he has refused to decamp to the APC,” a source said.
Controversies Involving Wike As FCT Minister
Wike has been accused of everything from land racketeering to abuse of authority and dictatorial leadership since he was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
His style of governance in Abuja has drawn criticism from public figures and elected officials, which has prompted calls for disciplinary action and raised concerns about due process in the management of FCT matters.
For example, Wike has been at the core of a land grabbing scandal involving alleged irregular land allocations in Abuja and the distribution of plots to acquaintances, family members, and allies instead of following clear, legal procedures.
Citing allegations of land-grabbing, corruption, and abuse of power, former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Timi Frank publicly called for President Tinubu to dismiss Wike and questioned the National Assembly’s and anti-corruption organisations’ silence.
Also, reports in August 2025 revealed that Wike secretly acquired a $2 million mansion in Winter Springs, Florida, registering it under the names of his wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, who is a serving judge in Nigeria, and their children, namely Joaquin, Jazmyne, and Jordan.
Wike Takes Sons To Dubai Summit
Following rumours that Wike and his two sons attended the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, reportedly using public funding, many Nigerians flocked to social media in October to voice their indignation.
Many people accused the minister of turning government work into a “family affair” after seeing images and videos of his sons wearing official lanyards as delegates.
Rift Over INEC Chairmanship
Additionally, in October, SaharaReporters exclusively revealed that the developing divide between Wike and President Tinubu had been exacerbated by the selection of Joash Amupitan as the new National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Insider reports state that the conflict got so bad that Wike protested by skipping the most recent Council of State meeting, replacing him with Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory.
According to SaharaReporters, Wike vigorously advocated for the appointment of Court of Appeal justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman as INEC Chairman.
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