Photo File: Nyesom Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has addressed speculations surrounding his absence from the recent Council of State meeting, clarifying that his absence had nothing to do with the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking during the commissioning of Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, on Tuesday, Wike stated that he had informed President Bola Tinubu ahead of time about prior official engagements that would prevent him from attending the meeting.

“I told the Minister of State, FCT, to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I had already informed Mr. President that I would not be available due to other engagements we had planned,” Wike explained.

He described reports suggesting he boycotted the meeting because his preferred nominee for the INEC chairmanship was not selected as “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail.”

Wike’s remarks follow claims from an online publication, Sahara Reporters, alleging tensions between the Minister and President Tinubu. The report suggested Wike deliberately boycotted the meeting and lobbied other key figures to do the same after his reported candidate, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Court of Appeal, was overlooked in favour of Prof. Amupitan.

Responding, Wike denied any rift with the President, affirming his loyalty and commitment to the Tinubu administration.

“I work for Mr President. His focus has always been on repositioning the country, and I share in that vision,” he said. “When you stay focused and deliver, your achievements will silence the critics.”

The Minister also credited the success of various FCT projects to the leadership style of President Tinubu.

“With the right leadership, you achieve the right results. The achievements in the FCT are a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. People are beginning to notice what we’ve accomplished because we have a leader who sets the tone from the top.”

The Council of State meeting, held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, saw the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman, pending Senate confirmation.