Wike's Defection to APC Looms as Rift with Tinubu Deepens
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is facing a significant setback in his political career. According to sources, Wike is losing ground with President Bola Tinubu, and plans are underway for him to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, December 5, 2025.
Wike's troubles began when Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, shifting momentum in favor of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The move was seen as a sign of Tinubu's diminishing confidence in Wike. Despite Wike's efforts to shore up his standing, including directing loyal members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to pass a vote of confidence in Tinubu, the gesture failed to impress the President.
The rift between Wike and Tinubu has been growing, with some alleging that Wike's confrontational style and inflammatory remarks have become a liability for the administration. Tinubu's inner circle has reportedly grown wary of Wike, citing his involvement in various scandals, including land-grabbing and corruption allegations.
The planned defection of Wike and 27 Rivers State lawmakers to the APC is seen as a desperate attempt to regain relevance. However, human rights lawyer Femi Falana has insisted that the lawmakers would lose their seats upon defection.
Tinubu is reportedly considering dropping Wike, with some of his closest allies urging him to review his relationship with the minister. The Lagos APC elders' council has advised Tinubu to work with Governor Fubara instead, citing Wike's toxic influence on the administration.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: Wike's grip on power is slipping, and his future in Nigerian politics hangs in the balance.