Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday boycotted the Council of State meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing political tension between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sources within the Presidency confirmed that Wike deliberately stayed away from the high-level meeting following what insiders described as a deepening rift between both men after President Tinubu rejected Wike’s preferred candidate for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tinubu Appoints Amupitan as INEC Chairman
Despite alleged lobbying by Wike, President Tinubu appointed Professor Joash Amupitan, a SAN and former Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, as the new INEC Chairman, replacing Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Wike was said to have supported Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman for the role, but the President reportedly dismissed the recommendation, insisting on what aides described as “uncompromised electoral leadership.”
Political Signal from the Villa
Presidential sources explained that the move was a clear political message to the FCT Minister that he will not be allowed to influence national institutions. A senior Aso Rock official familiar with the matter said:
“The President appreciates Wike’s political usefulness but does not trust him with strategic institutions like INEC. He sees him as unpredictable.”
Wike has not officially commented on the issue, but he reportedly sent a representative to the Council of State meeting rather than attending in person—an action interpreted as a subtle protest.
Political Fallout Continues
There are also reports that Wike reached out privately to former Heads of State ahead of the Council meeting, allegedly urging them not to attend in protest of Tinubu’s decisions on national appointments. However, most invited members ignored the move and attended.
Analysts believe this marks a major turning point in the relationship between Tinubu and Wike, who has been seen as a powerful ally of the administration despite ongoing tensions with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike has faced political backlash recently after allegations resurfaced regarding undisclosed properties in the United States and claims of political overreach in the Federal Capital Territory. Critics say his growing influence in the administration created discomfort within Tinubu’s inner circle, eventually leading to this pushback.