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Tag: Nyesom Wike

  • Wike Backs George Kelly for 2027 Rivers Governorship, Moves to Reassert Control

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has endorsed Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly as his preferred candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, signaling a new phase in the state’s political battle.

    The decision was reportedly reached after a closed-door meeting in Port Harcourt involving key political and grassroots figures.

    Closed-door meeting shapes decision

    Sources said the endorsement followed intense consultations held on Monday, with influential stakeholders in attendance.

    The meeting reportedly included former militant leaders, pointing to wider efforts to build strong political and grassroots backing ahead of the election cycle.

    The move is seen as part of Wike’s strategy to maintain influence in Rivers politics while serving at the federal level.

    George Kelly positioned for comeback

    George Kelly, a former Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, is believed to be preparing to contest under the All Progressives Congress.

    He previously contested in the Peoples Democratic Party governorship primaries in 2022, where he emerged second behind incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    His emergence now signals a possible return to frontline politics with the backing of a powerful political structure.

    Battle lines begin to form

    Political observers say the endorsement could reshape alignments in Rivers State ahead of 2027.

    Wike’s choice of a loyal ally is being interpreted as a move to regain political control in the state amid shifting alliances.

    The development also suggests that early positioning for the 2027 elections is already underway, with major actors consolidating influence.

    Growing tension ahead of 2027

    The Rivers political landscape has remained volatile in recent months, with internal divisions and competing interests shaping the direction of major parties.

    With this endorsement, attention is expected to shift to how other political blocs respond in the coming months.

  • Pastor Kneels, Begs Wike Not to Hand Over Jabi Lake for Private Development

    Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has publicly appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, not to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.

    In a video shared on Sunday, the cleric was seen kneeling on the pulpit as she made a direct appeal, urging the minister to preserve the space for public use.

    Emotional appeal from the pulpit

    Omakwu said she chose not to confront the minister but instead appealed as a concerned citizen and mother.

    “I cannot fight the minister of the FCT… but I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

    She described the area as a vital social and economic space for residents.

    “Leave it for the people”

    According to the cleric, the recreation centre serves multiple purposes, from exercise and relaxation to social gatherings and small-scale business activities.

    “That is where people go for exercise… where people meet, interact, and even get married,” she said, urging the minister to allow continued public access.

    She also expressed concern over shrinking public spaces in Abuja, noting that several previously accessible locations have become restricted over time.

    Acknowledges Wike’s projects

    Despite her concerns, Omakwu commended Wike for infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory.

    “I want to thank you for the highways… you have made movement easier,” she said, while maintaining her appeal over the Jabi Lake issue.

    Development plans already underway

    The appeal comes months after the Federal Capital Territory Administration signed agreements with private firms to redevelop Jabi Lake into a major recreational hub.

    Authorities say the initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and repositioning Abuja as a destination for leisure and economic activities.

    The situation has since drawn attention, with residents and stakeholders watching closely for the government’s next move.

  • “PDP Is One” — Wike Reacts as Supreme Court Voids Ibadan Convention

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is united following the Supreme Court judgment that nullified its disputed national convention.

    Wike dismisses claims of division

    Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the ruling has resolved internal disagreements and put an end to factional claims within the party.

    “The PDP is one. The judgment has put to rest reactions of factions within the party,” he stated.

    Court nullified Ibadan convention

    The Supreme Court, in a split 3–2 decision, had earlier voided the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

    The convention produced a leadership backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

    In its ruling, the court held that the exercise violated existing court orders and failed to meet required conditions before proceeding.

    ADC crisis still unresolved

    Wike also commented on the situation within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), noting that its leadership crisis remains unsettled.

    “The Supreme Court referred the ADC back to the Federal High Court. The ADC is still a problem,” he said.

    Strong remarks on political actors

    The FCT minister further drew a line between political parties and individuals, expressing criticism of certain figures.

    “Not that I don’t like the party, I hate the individuals involved. I don’t like them. They are part of the people who have plunged Nigeria into problems,” Wike added.

    The comments come as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections, with recent court rulings shaping party structures and internal dynamics.

     

  • Wike Bags ‘Hasken Abuja’ Title from FCT Traditional Rulers

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been conferred with the traditional title of “Hasken Abuja” by the FCT Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of his contributions to the development of the nation’s capital.

    Traditional rulers honour Wike

    The title was bestowed on Thursday by the council led by the Ona of Abaji, Dr Adamu Baba Yunusa, during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders.

    The monarchs said the honour reflects Wike’s efforts in driving visible development across Abuja since assuming office as FCT Minister.

    Recognition for infrastructure push

    According to the council, the minister has made notable strides in infrastructure, particularly in road construction, housing projects, and bridge development.

    His administration has also focused on opening up previously inaccessible rural roads to ease movement and improve connectivity within the FCT.

    Growing profile in Abuja leadership

    The conferment adds to Wike’s rising profile within the FCT, as his policies and projects continue to attract attention from both residents and traditional institutions.

    Observers say the recognition underscores the role of traditional rulers in acknowledging government performance at the grassroots level.

  • PDP Faction Disowns Ibadan Summit Outcome, Rejects 2027 Coalition Move

    A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has distanced itself from the declaration issued after the Ibadan opposition summit.

    The group said it neither participated in nor endorsed the outcome of the meeting held in the state capital.

    Claims No Knowledge of Gathering

    In a statement signed by State Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, and Secretary, Dr Abiola Olaonipekun, the faction said it had no prior knowledge of the summit.

    Operating under the leadership of former Deputy Governor Hazeem Gbolarumi, the group described the meeting as lacking constitutional backing.

    “The so-called Ibadan summit is a ruse. It was merely an assemblage of individuals, not a legitimate convergence of political parties,” the statement read.

    Rejects Single Candidate Plan

    The faction also dismissed reports of an agreement to adopt a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

    It insisted that no recognised organ of the PDP approved participation in the summit or any coalition arrangement.

    “For any coalition or alliance to be binding, it must be anchored on institutional authorisation, not informal gatherings lacking due process,” it added.

    No Alliance With Opposition Parties

    The group further rejected claims linking it to any alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or other opposition parties.

    It maintained that decisions of such magnitude must follow due consultation within the party’s constitutional framework.

    Focus on Internal Strengthening

    While acknowledging ongoing political realignments, the faction said its priority remains strengthening internal party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

    It also cautioned against misinformation suggesting PDP endorsement of the Ibadan declaration, reaffirming its readiness to fully participate in the upcoming polls.

     

  • Wike Waives C-of-O Fees for Nigerian Law School Bwari, Orders One-Week Processing Deadline

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved a waiver on Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees for the Nigerian Law School campus in Bwari, Abuja, while also directing the rapid processing of the document within one week.

    Law School raises concerns over infrastructure gaps

    The decision followed an appeal by the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote, during a management meeting with the minister in Abuja, where she highlighted the poor state of infrastructure and long-standing deficits at the institution.

    Wike reportedly expressed surprise that the Law School had operated for years without a formal C of O since its relocation to Bwari, describing the situation as unacceptable for a federal institution of such importance.

    Immediate waiver and strict directive issued

    The FCT Minister directed the Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, to waive all processing fees for the Certificate of Occupancy and ensure that the documentation is completed without delay.

    He further instructed that the C of O must be fully processed and ready within one week, stressing the need to regularise land ownership for government institutions operating in the territory.

    Wike also noted that addressing such gaps was part of ongoing reforms aimed at correcting administrative lapses across the FCT.

    Emergency upgrade for staff housing and facilities

    Beyond the land documentation issue, the minister declared an “emergency” on the construction of staff quarters and related infrastructure within the Law School, citing the need to improve living and learning conditions.

    He confirmed that 10 existing staff quarters are already completed and scheduled for commissioning as part of the President’s third anniversary activities, while also approving the construction of an additional 10 units using existing designs to reduce costs.

    Wike explained that the intervention was aimed at reducing overcrowding and improving staff efficiency within the institution.

    New auditorium and broader education support

    The minister also approved funding for a new auditorium at the campus, questioning delays from the contractor and urging immediate mobilisation to site.

    He said the interventions align with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen legal education and improve institutional infrastructure across the country.

    Wike reiterated the government’s commitment, stating, “Anything we can do to help our children, we are willing to do that. The staff quarters must be treated as an emergency project to ensure rapid delivery.”

    The development adds to ongoing updates in latest Nigerian news and continues to feature in breaking news Nigeria today reports across federal infrastructure reforms.

  • Wike Storms PDP Secretariat As Fresh Tension Hits Party Leadership Crisis

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday visited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, amid ongoing leadership crisis rocking the opposition party.

    Wike’s visit raises fresh questions

    Wike was received at the secretariat by the PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.

    His visit comes at a time when the party remains deeply divided, with unresolved disputes over its leadership structure and control of the national headquarters.

    Crisis that shook PDP headquarters

    The PDP crisis escalated on November 18, when rival factions clashed at Wadata Plaza, leading to a breakdown of order at the party’s headquarters.

    The faction led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), backed by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, confronted the Mohammed-led group believed to be aligned with Wike.

    The situation has since remained tense, with both sides laying claim to party leadership.

    Dispute over control of secretariat

    The unsealing and takeover of the secretariat was confirmed by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee through its spokesperson, Jungudo Mohammed.

    The faction warned against any attempt to disrupt peace, while also commending the Nigeria Police Force for what it described as professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

    Opposition faction kicks

    However, the Turaki-led faction rejected the development, describing the unsealing as contempt of court.

    Spokesman Ini Ememobong argued that the judgment cited had already been appealed, warning that the move could undermine ongoing legal proceedings.

    The latest development signals that the PDP leadership crisis is far from over, as rival factions continue to battle for control of the party.

  • Wike’s PDP Bloc Backs Anyanwu, Mohammed, Asks Ortom to Step Aside

    The internal crisis inside the Peoples Democratic Party deepened on Tuesday as a faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike settled on Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Abdulrahman Mohammed as consensus candidates for National Secretary and National Chairman ahead of the party’s national convention on March 29–30.

    Governors distance themselves from the process

    Governors elected on the PDP platform swiftly distanced themselves from the consensus arrangement.

    They insisted the process was not binding on them and vowed to challenge it legally before the convention holds in Abuja.

    How the consensus was reached

    Highly placed members of the Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee, who declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak publicly, told journalists that all six geopolitical zones had agreed on candidates for National Working Committee positions.

    The National Chairman slot was zoned to the North-Central, while the National Secretary went to the South-East, specifically Imo State, where Anyanwu emerged as the consensus pick.

    According to a source who attended the North-Central caucus meeting, Wike personally appealed to former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and former Kogi State Deputy Governor Philip Salawu to step aside for Abdulrahman Mohammed.

    “The meeting concluded with the North-Central zone agreeing that it should produce the National Chairman,” the source said.

    Religious balance was also cited as a factor.

    “They wanted the National Chairman to be a Muslim, anticipating that the person emerging would otherwise be a Christian,” the source added, noting that Anyanwu’s emergence as National Secretary from the South-East influenced the calculation.

    Zonal distributions across the country

    Other positions were distributed across zones as follows:

    In the North-West, Sokoto retains the National Organising Secretary position, Katsina takes the National Youth Leader, and Kano takes the Deputy Treasurer. Jigawa was allocated the Zonal Vice Chairman slot.

    In the South-West, the Woman Leader went to Oyo, the Treasurer to Osun, the Deputy Secretary to Ekiti, and the Zonal Vice Chairman to Lagos.

    In the North-East, Taraba received the Deputy National Chairman (North) slot, Bauchi the Publicity Secretary, Gombe the Deputy Woman Leader, Borno the Deputy Financial Secretary, and Adamawa the Zonal Vice Chairman.

    In the South-South, Rivers takes the National Vice Chairman, Cross River the Financial Secretary, Delta the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Akwa Ibom the Deputy Youth Leader, and Edo the Zonal Vice Chairman.

    Wike faction defends consensus method

    The Wike-backed PDP Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, declined to confirm or deny specific details but defended the approach.

    “As far as we are concerned, we believe consensus is the best way to go,” he said. “Once you have consensus, it means there’s consent of all stakeholders, the aspirants and the stakeholders, as opposed to imposition.”

    He added that it saves time and resources.

    “When you take away the election process, it saves a lot of time, resources, and animosity,” Mohammed said.

    The PDP national convention is scheduled for March 29–30, 2026 in Abuja. Governors aligned with the rival Tanimu Turaki-led NWC have vowed to pursue legal action if the convention proceeds on the Wike faction’s terms. With both sides claiming legitimacy, the convention could further fracture a party already battling internal division ahead of the 2027 general elections.