Politics

Tinubu Under Pressure to Cut Ties with Wike as Lagos APC Elders Urge Alliance with Fubara

Published by admin on October 11th, 2025.

Tinubu Under Pressure to Cut Ties with Wike as Lagos APC Elders Urge Alliance with Fubara

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly under increasing pressure from influential political allies and long-standing associates to reassess his alliance with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

According to sources within the presidency, the calls for a reevaluation of Wike’s role have grown louder in recent weeks, especially in light of the backlash triggered by the minister’s frequent media briefings. Insiders say these public appearances, often marked by fiery rhetoric and confrontational remarks, have begun to reflect poorly on the Tinubu administration.

Notably, Wike was absent from Thursday’s National Council of State meeting held at the Presidential Villa—an event that brought together former heads of state, current governors, and ex-Chief Justices. Instead, he was represented by Minister of State for the FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud.

A senior aide close to the situation revealed that while Tinubu values Wike’s achievements in infrastructure development, concerns are growing over the negative publicity his combative communication style attracts.

“Wike delivers on projects, no doubt. But his public statements are becoming a liability,” the aide explained. “The presidency is worried that this could hurt the government’s image.”

Multiple sources say that the Lagos APC elders’ council, known as the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), has advised Tinubu to shift political support towards Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The group reportedly warned that Wike may be turning into a political burden ahead of the 2027 elections.

One senior GAC member, an 88-year-old long-time confidant of the president, is said to have told Tinubu directly during a closed-door meeting in Lagos: “It’s time to let Wike go.”

The elder emphasized that Fubara has shown maturity and composure in the face of political provocation, which the president should reward rather than overlook.

“Fubara remained loyal and didn’t destabilize the system during his suspension,” a presidency source noted. “Snubbing him, especially as an Ijaw leader, could send the wrong signal to the riverine communities in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta.”

However, not all within the presidency share this view. Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila is reportedly not in favor of severing ties with Wike. Despite this, insiders say Tinubu is beginning to take the elders’ advice seriously.

One official disclosed that the president has already instructed a top aide responsible for ministerial performance reviews to compile a report on Wike’s tenure at the FCT.

According to sources, the plan may be to gradually transition Wike out of office, potentially around Tinubu’s third anniversary in power. Allegations ranging from financial mismanagement to abuse of office—currently under quiet investigation—may be used to support this move.

“There are several petitions already on the president’s desk. If these claims are substantiated, the administration could use them to build a case for Wike’s exit, making it look more like a necessary resignation than a political fallout,” the source said.