Former Governor of Jigawa State and chieftain of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has alleged that President Bola
Ahmed Tinubu appointed Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal
Capital Territory (FCT) solely to secure political control of the South-South
region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lamido made the claim on Tuesday night during an
interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he described
the appointment as a calculated political strategy rather than a gesture
of national unity or performance-based recognition.
“Tinubu was looking for someone who will help him in
his political interest,” Lamido said.
“The whole appointment of Wike was to make sure Tinubu
secures the South-South. So far, he has been able to get Akwa Ibom and Edo
states. Wike already has Rivers State.”
According to Lamido, President Tinubu’s strategy is to
consolidate power in the oil-rich South-South region, traditionally a
stronghold of the PDP, by leveraging Wike’s political influence. However, he
claimed that Wike’s role is only temporary and transactional.
“By the time Tinubu is able to secure the South-South
in his own basket, Wike will become irrelevant, and he will remove him,” Lamido
asserted.
“He appointed Wike for a purpose, gave him an office
for a purpose; by the time the purpose is no more, that’s the end of it.”
Speculation Over Wike’s Political Future
Lamido’s remarks come amid intensifying speculation
about Wike’s political allegiance. Though still officially a member of the
opposition PDP, Wike has been working closely with the ruling All
Progressives Congress (APC) since his appointment in 2023. His frequent
public appearances with President Tinubu and APC governors have raised
questions about his loyalty and long-term political goals.
Critics within the PDP have accused Wike of
undermining the party, while others see him as a kingmaker figure
with ambitions of remaining politically relevant beyond Rivers State.
Lamido’s comments add further weight to the growing
public discourse around Wike’s role in national politics and whether his
tenure in Tinubu’s cabinet is sustainable or expendable.
Wike Yet to Respond
As of press time, Wike had not responded to
Lamido’s claims. However, sources within the APC and the presidency continue to
insist that appointments under the Tinubu administration are based on merit and
national interest, not just political calculations.
Observers believe that the evolving relationship
between Wike and the APC may play a decisive role in reshaping the political
dynamics of 2027, especially in the South-South geopolitical zone.
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