By: Olusola Oludiran
Anyone closely observing Nigeria’s current political landscape cannot ignore the unfolding Wike vs Tinubu power struggle; a contest that is blurring the lines of authority within the presidency. The dynamics between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have raised eyebrows nationwide. Wike’s growing political influence, despite being a member of the opposition, continues to challenge the internal balance of power in Tinubu’s administration.
There is no denying that Wike played a significant role in Tinubu’s victory during the 2023 general elections. Though a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he ensured that their common political rival, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, lost crucial ground in Rivers and other states where Wike wielded considerable influence.
His opposition to Atiku stemmed from internal party betrayals and political realignments that he has repeatedly described as acts of treachery from his former allies.
In the spirit of Nigeria’s political tradition, where loyalty is often rewarded, Tinubu duly compensated Wike by appointing him as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—a position rarely held by a southerner. Despite being from an opposition party, Wike has thrived in the APC-led government, expanding his reach and influence as though he were a Trojan horse within the system.
Wike’s Governance Style: A Minister or a De Facto Prime Minister?
Having served as a two-term governor and former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Wike is no stranger to the mechanics of power and the theatrics that accompany it. His flamboyant, brash, and confrontational style has now become a source of concern for many political actors, especially those within Tinubu’s inner circle.
Since assuming office as FCT Minister, Wike has acted less like a cabinet member and more like a sitting governor—or perhaps even a de facto prime minister. His governance style has been marked by grandstanding, media showmanship, and a constant craving for the spotlight. He holds press briefings with remarkable frequency, often appearing before journalists more than the Minister of Information himself.
The Rivers State Crisis: Fallout with Governor Fubara
Wike’s penchant for visibility and adulation was also the root of his bitter fallout with his successor in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. When Fubara began asserting independence, Wike, perceiving it as an affront to his authority, allegedly fueled political crises that plunged the state into chaos.
The situation escalated to the point where President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in the state, temporarily displacing elected officials. Shortly after, Wike boasted to journalists that he had planned to impeach Fubara if not for the president’s intervention—an audacious remark that revealed the extent of his perceived power.
Controversies in the FCT: Land Revocations and Allegations
Beyond the Rivers imbroglio, Wike’s tenure in the FCT has also been riddled with controversy. While his publicized road inaugurations and infrastructure projects have earned him praise from some quarters, critics argue that his high-handedness and disregard for due process have inflicted hardship on residents.
Numerous allegations of arbitrary land revocations and demolitions have surfaced, with claims that some confiscated lands were reallocated to his friends and families. In fact, there were allegations that the Minister used his office for extensive land allocation to his sons, relatives, and associates. Although the Minister denied these allegations, the controversy persists.
One glaring example is the revocation of over 7,000 hectares of land previously allocated to the University of Abuja—an act widely condemned as a violation of the Land Use Act. Despite public outcry, Wike has remained defiant, further reinforcing perceptions of authoritarianism and impunity.
Where Is Vice President Kashim Shettima?
Amid this growing visibility, one cannot help but ask: where is Vice President Kashim Shettima? In a government where the vice president should be the second most visible figure, Wike appears to have seized the spotlight. His media presence and political influence have created an imbalance that risks portraying the Tinubu administration as internally divided.
The danger here extends beyond political optics. In a democracy, institutions—not individuals—should wield power. Yet, Wike’s unchecked assertiveness threatens to tilt the balance, creating a personality-driven system at odds with democratic norms.
Tinubu’s Leadership at a Crossroads
President Tinubu must recognize that his administration’s equilibrium is being tested. Wike’s rising prominence, if left unchecked, could blur the lines of authority and weaken institutional accountability.
The question, therefore, is no longer whether Wike is performing well, but whether his performance has become too powerful to be restrained. The presidency must urgently restore balance and reassert clear lines of authority, because Nigerians are watching—and the credibility of this administration depends on whether power remains accountable, or if it has once again become a game of “anything goes.”
