Wike Reacts To Alleged Rift with Tinubu Over New INEC Chairman Nomination

Wike Reacts To Alleged Rift with Tinubu Over New INEC Chairman Nomination

  • The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said there is no rift between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
  • Wike explained the reason he missed the Council of State meeting with President Tinubu at Aso Rock
  • Legit.ng reports that Tinubu nominated Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan to replace Prof Mahmood Yakubu as the new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja - The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied claims of a rift with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike said the report that he did not attend last week’s Council of State meeting because his nominee was not chosen for the vacant post of the INEC chairman was “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail.”

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Nyesom Wike denies rift with President Bola Tinubu
Wike rubbishes the claim that he was not happy about the new INEC chairman nomination. Photo credit: @GovWike
Source: Facebook

The minister explained that he had informed President Tinubu that he would not be able to attend the meeting due to prior official engagements.

As reported by Daily Trust, Wike stated this while speaking on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the commissioning of access roads in Dakibiyu District, Abuja.

“Sometime last week, Thursday, we had a flag-off ceremony, and I told the Minister of State, FCT, to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I had already told Mr President that I would not be available because of other engagements we had already put in place.”

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Wike urged the public to disregard reports linking his absence to dissatisfaction over the INEC appointment.

“That is why we have to be careful when people carry unnecessary propaganda and blackmail. But in spite of those things, be focused and you will achieve your results. They said I did not attend because I was not happy that my own nominee was not taken.”
Nyesom Wike explains why he didn't attend Council of State meeting
Wike opens up on alleged disagreement over new INEC chairman nomination. Photo credit: Nyesom Ezenwo Wike - CON, GSSRS
Source: Facebook

Tinubu Presents Nominees for INEC Chairman

Recalls that President Tinubu presided over a meeting of the Council of State at Aso Rock, Abuja.

Tinubu presented three nominees to replace Prof Mahmood Yakub as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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Legit.ng reports that the Council of State advises the president on key national issues, including the appointment of the INEC Chairman.

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Tinubu told to immediately sack Wike

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that activist Yemi Adebowale demanded the sack of the FCT minister over what he described as corruption.

Critics alleged that Wike violated asset declaration rules by failing to disclose foreign assets associated with his wife and children.

Some media reports had detailed how Wike allegedly acquired a $2 million mansion in Florida secretly, and concealed ownership by registering the property.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Adekunle Dada avatar

Adekunle Dada (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Adekunle Dada is a trained journalist with over 8 years of working experience. He is also a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a B.Sc. in Mass Communication from Lagos State University, Ojo. Adekunle previously worked at PM News, The Sun, and Within Nigeria, where he expressed his journalistic skills with well-researched articles and features. In 2024, Adekunle obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. He can be reached via adekunle.dada@corp.legit.ng.