Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has dismissed calls for his removal from office amid political tensions in Rivers State. He stated that President Bola Tinubu has the authority to sack him if he believes Wike can no longer contribute effectively. Wike attributed the criticism to his successful performance in the role.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), responded firmly to growing demands for his dismissal during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in Rivers State on January 11, 2026. Critics, including a coalition from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), had issued an open letter urging President Bola Tinubu to remove Wike. They accused him of insubordination, anti-party activities, and threats to national unity, linking these to the ongoing political crisis between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike rebuffed the calls, emphasizing that only the president should decide his fate. 'If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. It’s not that you should tell him,' he said. He highlighted his achievements in the FCT as the reason for the attention. 'I am proud, and Rivers people are proud, and we can tell Nigerians that we have not disappointed them as far as FCT is concerned,' Wike added. He noted that positive performance draws criticism, stating, 'If you are not doing well, nobody will talk about you. But because we are doing well, people must talk about us.'
Additionally, Wike took aim at political opponents, particularly those aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dismissing their prospects for the 2027 presidential election. He pointed to Atiku's poor 2023 performance, saying, 'Those who say they are coming from Atiku side, I don't understand people who couldn't give Atiku Abubakar ten percent in 2023 are people who are now saying they want to deliver the presidency.' Wike vowed that his supporters would use their votes in 2027 to punish those abusing them, reinforcing his confidence in President Tinubu's continued support.
The exchange underscores the persistent rivalry in Rivers State politics, which has implications for national party dynamics ahead of future elections.
