Politics

Wike Admits Using Judiciary to Crush Osun LG Funds Case, Warns APC Leaders Against Betrayal

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on January 8th, 2026.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stirred fresh political controversy after openly claiming that his influence helped halt the legal battle over local government funds in Osun State, while issuing a stern warning to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against what he described as betrayal and ingratitude.

Speaking during a political gathering attended by party stakeholders, Wike asserted that the case challenging the control of local government funds in Osun would not have been successfully shut down without his intervention. According to him, strategic actions taken behind the scenes ensured that the matter was resolved in a way favorable to the ruling party’s interests at the federal level.

Wike’s comments, delivered with characteristic bluntness, have reignited debate about the role of political influence in judicial processes. While he did not provide operational details, his remarks suggested that political relationships and timely interventions played a decisive role in stopping the case from progressing further in court.

Beyond the legal issue, the former Rivers State governor used the opportunity to caution APC leaders against distancing themselves from allies once power is secured. He lamented what he described as a recurring culture in Nigerian politics where individuals who play key roles during critical moments are later sidelined or disowned.

“I do not believe in pretending,” Wike said in substance, stressing that loyalty should be reciprocal. He warned that political actors who benefit from support and later turn their backs on those who stood by them risk serious consequences, both politically and personally.

The Osun local government funds dispute has been a sensitive subject, touching on constitutional authority, federal-state relations, and grassroots governance. Wike’s remarks have therefore drawn mixed reactions, with critics expressing concern over the implications for judicial independence, while supporters view his comments as mere political bravado rather than a literal admission of wrongdoing.

Political analysts note that Wike’s statements may be aimed as much at consolidating his relevance within the current power structure as they are at sending a message to party power brokers. His growing alignment with the APC-led federal government, despite his roots in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), continues to generate debate across political lines.

As reactions continue to trail his comments, Wike remains unapologetic, positioning himself as a power player unwilling to be ignored. Whether his remarks will prompt official responses or further scrutiny remains to be seen, but they have once again placed him at the center of Nigeria’s ever-evolving political drama.