By: Daure David
A fresh crack has emerged within Nigeria’s ruling political elite as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reportedly boycotted the recent Council of State meeting in Abuja following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint Prof. Auwalu Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The development is seen by insiders as a direct snub to Wike, who was reportedly lobbying for a different candidate to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing electoral umpire.
Presidency sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Wike’s absence from the high-level meeting was “not coincidental” and described it as a “silent protest” over the President’s decision to go against his preferred nominee.
Tensions Behind the Scenes
Multiple political insiders allege that Wike had been quietly lobbying to influence the INEC appointment, with reports suggesting that he supported a Yoruba candidate for the role. One source familiar with the internal wrangling told this newspaper that Wike’s long-term political ambition may be tied to this move.
“There were conversations months ago that Wike was pushing for a Yoruba successor to Yakubu as part of a broader political strategy,” the source alleged. “He is eyeing the Vice Presidential slot in 2031 and believes controlling the electoral infrastructure is critical to that plan.”
Though unconfirmed, these allegations have intensified speculations that Wike is positioning himself as a central figure in future power realignments—particularly within a post-Tinubu APC landscape.
Tinubu Moves Decisively
President Tinubu’s appointment of Prof. Amupitan, a constitutional law expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was announced earlier this week to mixed reactions. The decision is viewed by many analysts as a bold assertion of executive authority, especially in the face of growing intra-party jostling for influence.
“The President is clearly sending a message that appointments, particularly sensitive ones like INEC, will not be subject to political bartering,” a senior Aso Rock aide said. “Amupitan was chosen based on merit and competence.”
The Council of State Meeting
The Council of State meeting, which brings together the President, former heads of state, state governors, and other high-ranking officials, was convened to discuss national security, economic concerns, and the INEC transition. Wike’s conspicuous absence was noted by observers, especially as he has attended similar high-level meetings in the past, even amid personal controversies.
“No official reason was given for his absence,” a presidency official confirmed. “But everyone in the room knew what it was about.”
Wike Remains Silent
As of press time, Wike has not issued any official statement regarding his absence or the appointment of Prof. Amupitan. However, sources close to the FCT Minister suggest he feels increasingly sidelined in key decisions made by the presidency, despite his widely acknowledged role in delivering support to Tinubu during the 2023 elections.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), controversially joined the Tinubu administration as an opposition figure deepening speculation about his long-term political calculations.
The unfolding drama points to deeper rifts within the ruling elite, with implications for the 2027 and even 2031 elections. As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to shift, many are watching closely to see whether Wike will reconcile with the presidency or begin forging an independent path toward his rumored ambitions.
In the meantime, the appointment of Prof. Amupitan is expected to move forward, pending Senate confirmation, as INEC prepares for several off-cycle elections and a reform agenda ahead of 2027.
Editor’s Note: This report includes unverified claims from political insiders. Efforts to reach Minister Wike’s office for official comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
