Fresh political intrigues are unfolding in Rivers State as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, appears to be losing influence with President Bola Tinubu, amid mounting domestic and international pressure.

Sources close to the Presidency indicate that Tinubu’s inner circle has grown increasingly wary of Wike, who has faced multiple controversies since joining the federal cabinet. While Tinubu is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike remains in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is currently divided by internal factional disputes.

Vote of Confidence Backfires

Despite Wike’s attempts to bolster his standing, including directing loyal members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to pass a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, insiders say the gesture failed to impress the President.

“Wike is desperate to impress Tinubu. Meanwhile, the President’s political gladiators told him to ditch the minister, who is enmeshed in various scandals,” a source said.

The House of Assembly on Wednesday commended Tinubu’s leadership, praised appointments of Rivers indigenes into federal positions, and supported his Renewed Hope Agenda. However, sources claim the vote did little to shift Tinubu’s view, as he reportedly faces pressure from US officials and religious leaders opposing Wike’s continued influence.

Impending Defection to APC

In a bid to reassert his political relevance, Wike has reportedly struck a deal to formally defect to the APC on Friday, according to sources. Yet political observers note that Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has strengthened the position of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who enjoys solid grassroots support and has resisted joining the APC.

“Tinubu realised that after the state of emergency action, the people of the state are with Governor Sim Fubara, not Wike,” a source said.

Controversies Surrounding Wike

Since becoming FCT Minister, Wike has faced a string of allegations:

• Land racketeering: Reports of irregular land allocations in Abuja to family, allies, and associates.
• Autocratic leadership: Criticism from public figures, including FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, over his governance style.
• Foreign property acquisitions: Reports in August 2025 revealed Wike secretly acquired a $2 million mansion in Florida, registered under his wife and children.
• Family at official events: In October 2025, Wike attended the Asia Pacific Cities Summit in Dubai with his two sons, allegedly on public funds, sparking social media outrage.
• Rift over INEC chairmanship: Wike’s push for Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman as INEC Chairman was dropped, deepening tensions with Tinubu.

Conclusion

Wike’s political maneuvering in Rivers State and at the federal level reflects a high-stakes struggle for influence amid growing scrutiny. His planned defection to the APC could be a strategic move to regain relevance, but with Governor Fubara’s entrenched support and mounting controversies, Wike’s political future remains uncertain.