In a dramatic and politically charged statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has threatened to sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, if the results of the upcoming FCT elections swing disproportionately in his favour and that of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at a high-profile dinner held on Saturday evening in Abuja to mark the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, President Tinubu did not mince words as he issued a direct warning to Wike, making it clear that his position in the administration hinges on his ability to deliver electoral success for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Give me any opportunity for my party to win elections in the FCT. I know where you are coming from, your own party,” Tinubu declared. “If this thing goes too much in your own favor, you will lose your job.”
The remark, which drew mixed reactions from the audience, underscores the high stakes of the forthcoming elections in the nation’s capital, where APC has historically faced challenges in securing victory. The FCT remains a stronghold of the opposition PDP, and Tinubu’s demand signals his determination to break that trend under his administration.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent member of the PDP, controversially accepted the FCT ministerial appointment under the APC-led government—a move that sparked outrage within his party and among political observers. Despite his continued insistence that he remains loyal to the PDP, Wike has been actively working within the APC-led administration, fueling speculation about his political allegiance.
Tinubu’s warning, while delivered in a somewhat jocular tone, carries serious implications. As the political landscape heats up ahead of the FCT elections, Wike now faces the arduous task of navigating his dual political affiliations without jeopardizing his ministerial position. Observers believe this could place him in a precarious situation, balancing his historical ties to the PDP with the demands of his current role under the APC-led government.
Political analysts suggest that Tinubu’s comments reflect the ruling party’s growing impatience with internal divisions and its aggressive push to consolidate power across key regions, particularly in the FCT. The President's statement serves as both a challenge and a test of loyalty for Wike, who must now prove his worth to an administration that demands nothing short of electoral success.
With the election fast approaching, the political maneuvering in the FCT is set to intensify, as Wike finds himself at a critical crossroads. Will he be able to secure a favorable outcome for the APC, or will his political history with the PDP come back to haunt him? One thing is certain—his job now hangs in the balance.