Nyesom Wike, the no-nonsense Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has once again thrust himself into the limelight with a storm of controversies swirling around his stewardship of Abuja. While some hail him as a man of action intent on restoring order to Nigeria's capital city, others accuse him of being heavy-handed, vindictive, and possibly laying the groundwork for another political betrayal. With whispers of dissent within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inner circle and growing public outrage over his governance style, the question begs itself: Is Wike wicked or working?
The Bulldozer Returns
Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister has been anything but quiet. Known for his penchant for demolitions during his time as Rivers State Governor, Wike has brought the same energy to Abuja. In his words, “If you are illegal, we will remove you,” a proclamation that has sent shivers through residents occupying disputed lands and structures. However, the Senate has intervened, urging him to halt the demolitions amid allegations of land grabbing and favoritism.
Critics claim Wike’s demolition spree disproportionately targets political opponents and those he considers expendable. Allegations have surfaced that he has revoked land titles and reallocated them to close allies, a charge his aides have vehemently denied, attributing the revocations to non-compliance with regularization processes. “This is not about Wike or favoritism; it’s about restoring order to the FCT,” an aide insisted. Yet, the rumors persist, with some suggesting that the demolitions are less about urban renewal and more about settling scores.
Feud with Fubara: Rivers Boiling Over
Wike’s troubles are not confined to the FCT. Back in Rivers State, where he once held sway as governor, a political storm is brewing between him and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Once considered a protégé of Wike, Fubara is now locked in a bitter feud with his former boss.
The rift reportedly began when Fubara resisted Wike’s alleged attempts to control the state from Abuja. Insiders claim that Wike has been unhappy with Fubara’s growing independence and refusal to take directives. The fallout escalated to a dramatic confrontation in October 2024, when Fubara accused Wike of undermining his administration and blocking federal funds intended for the state.
The feud has deepened divisions within the Rivers State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Fubara, determined to assert his authority, has been rallying support from key political figures in the state, while Wike, ever the political tactician, has leveraged his influence in Abuja to counter his successor’s moves.
The situation took a darker turn when Fubara’s supporters accused Wike of engineering a smear campaign against the governor. The Ijaw National Congress has expressed concern, warning both men to avoid actions that could inflame ethnic tensions in the state. “This is no longer just a political issue; it’s a threat to the unity of Rivers State,” a statement from the group read.
Wike, however, remains defiant. “I have no interest in Rivers politics anymore,” he declared in a recent interview, a claim many find hard to believe given his history of micromanaging political affairs in the state. His critics argue that the feud with Fubara is yet another example of his inability to relinquish control, even after leaving office.
Kitchen Cabinet Discord
Adding to the drama, murmurs of dissatisfaction within President Tinubu’s kitchen cabinet have begun to surface. Wike, a former PDP strongman, has always been a polarizing figure. His unapologetic style and penchant for ruffling feathers reportedly leave some of Tinubu’s closest allies uneasy.
Some within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are said to harbor suspicions that Wike, a known political strategist with a history of betrayal, may not be entirely loyal to the Tinubu administration. His decision to leave the PDP to support Tinubu in 2023 was seen as opportunistic, and some believe he might turn on the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior APC insider who preferred anonymity stated, “Wike is unpredictable. Today he’s demolishing illegal structures; tomorrow, he might be demolishing Tinubu’s political base. His history of betrayal is well-documented. Can we really trust him to stick with us when 2027 comes around?”
A History of Betrayal
Wike’s political career is littered with instances of defiance and betrayal. From his fallout with former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus to his public rebellion against PDP’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, Wike has never shied away from playing the maverick. His move to align with Tinubu’s APC shocked many, but for those who know him well, it was classic Wike – opportunistic and calculated.
Now, as he sits at the helm of the FCT, some fear he may be laying the groundwork for another political switch. His actions, they argue, are not just about governance but also about consolidating power and positioning himself as a kingmaker—or even a king—in the 2027 elections.
The Tinubu Dilemma
President Tinubu faces a dilemma. On one hand, Wike’s actions have shown that he is willing to tackle the difficult tasks that others shy away from. On the other hand, his methods and perceived ambition could destabilize the APC. While Tinubu has so far stood by Wike, the growing dissent within his inner circle suggests that the honeymoon may not last.
Wike’s boldness could prove to be a double-edged sword. His demolitions may clean up Abuja, but at what cost? His land revocations might restore order, but they also feed the narrative of favoritism and vendetta. And his alliance with Tinubu may hold for now, but history suggests that Wike’s loyalty is always conditional.
Wicked or Working?
Public opinion on Wike remains deeply divided. Supporters argue that he is simply doing his job—cleaning up the rot in Abuja and enforcing laws that previous administrations ignored. They point to his achievements in Rivers State, where his infrastructural projects earned him praise, albeit amid similar accusations of autocracy.
Critics, however, see him as a bulldozer in more ways than one—flattening not just illegal structures but also dissent and opposition. They question his long-term motives, wondering whether his current actions are less about governance and more about setting the stage for his political ambitions.
As 2027 looms closer, the question of whether Wike is wicked or working takes on even greater significance. Is he a loyal ally cleaning up the FCT in the name of progress, or is he a calculating opportunist preparing for his next move on Nigeria’s political chessboard? For now, only Wike knows the answer—but Nigerians are watching closely.
A Storm on the Horizon
With tensions rising in the FCT, dissent in Tinubu’s kitchen cabinet, and whispers of betrayal growing louder, Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister promises to be as turbulent as it is transformative. Whether history will judge him as wicked or working depends on how he navigates the delicate balance between governance, ambition, and loyalty in the years to come.
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