FCT Minister Wike Denies Disagreement with Tinubu Over INEC Chairman Nomination

Strategic Insights -

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting a disagreement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Wike was absent at the recent Council of State meeting, which was held on October 9, 2025, where Prof. Amupitan was nominated by the President. He stated that his absence was due to prior official engagements and had authorized the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him at the meeting.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, denied disagreements with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman.
  • Wike was absent from the Council of State meeting held on October 9, 2025, where Prof. Amupitan was nominated by the President.
  • He attributed his absence to prior official engagements and authorized the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him at the meeting.
  • Wike described claims of a disagreement over the INEC nominee as 'unnecessary propaganda and blackmail.'
  • He reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, stating that the President's leadership has enabled the FCT Administration to deliver multiple infrastructure projects within a short period.
  • Wike credited President Tinubu's leadership for the success of the FCT Administration, stating that the President's direction has been crucial in delivering expected results.
  • The clarification comes amid growing speculation about internal rifts within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and ahead of the 2027 elections.

Statistics:

  • Nyesom Wike has served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory since January 2023.
  • September 2023 saw multiple infrastructure projects flagged off across the FCT region, with the Minister attributing the success to President Tinubu's leadership.
  • The Council of State meeting held on October 9, 2025, was attended by senior government officials, state governors, and stakeholders.

Sources:

  • Lagos Post (October 10, 2025) - 'FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Denies Disagreement with Tinubu Over INEC Nomination'
  • Sahara Reporters (October 9, 2025) - 'FCT Minister Wike Denies Boycotting Council of State Meeting, Says Claims of Disagreement with Tinubu Over INEC Nomination Are Unnecessary Propaganda'