Former Jigawa Governor Says FCT Minister’s Role is Politically Motivated
Abuja, Nigeria – August 6, 2025 – Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has sparked political debate with a bold claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will remove Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), once he achieves his political objectives in the South-South region.
Lamido made the explosive statement during a live appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time program on Tuesday night, where he suggested that Wike’s ministerial appointment was strategically calculated to help President Tinubu expand and consolidate political influence across key oil-rich South-South states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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. Once that is achieved, Wike will become irrelevant and be removed.”
Wike’s Role in Tinubu’s South-South Strategy
Lamido argued that the former Rivers State Governor, now a top-ranking minister under the APC-led administration, has been used as a political tool to gain control of the South-South, a region traditionally dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Tinubu’s strategic moves have already yielded results in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Edo states — all previously PDP strongholds — thanks in part to Wike’s political influence.
“Wike already has Rivers State. So far, Tinubu has been able to get Akwa Ibom and Edo States,” Lamido noted.
“By the time Tinubu is able to secure the South-South in his own basket, Wike will become irrelevant.”
A Temporary Alliance?
The comments suggest a fragile political alliance between Tinubu and Wike, who was a key figure in the G5 Governors that rebelled against the PDP in the 2023 elections. Many analysts believe Wike’s support helped Tinubu secure significant votes in the South-South region despite being a member of an opposing party.
However, Lamido insists that once Wike has served his purpose, he will be politically discarded.
“He was appointed for a purpose, given an office for a reason. By the time that purpose is no more, that’s the end of it,” Lamido said bluntly.
Political Fallout Looming?
The revelation adds a new twist to the already tense political atmosphere as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections. Wike has been at the center of intense speculation, with critics questioning his loyalty, political ambitions, and long-term relevance within the current administration.
Political observers say that if Lamido’s prediction holds true, it could deepen internal rifts within the APC and also create new realignments ahead of the next general election.
Tinubu, Wike, and the 2027 Political Chessboard
Lamido’s remarks underscore what many see as the high-stakes political chess game unfolding behind the scenes. President Tinubu, a known master strategist, is believed to be restructuring Nigeria’s political landscape by leveraging key figures across different regions — and Wike has so far been a central piece in that plan.
