By Peter Omopo, Abuja
A civil society organisation, Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of engaging in what it described as “authoritarian and destabilising actions” that pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr. Tunji O. Bamidele, the group alleged that Wike’s recent conduct reflected a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic institutions and destabilise political parties across the country.
According to Bamidele, the minister’s actions “represent a calculated assault on the democratic fabric of our nation,” adding that Wike, who once championed democracy, is now allegedly using state power to intimidate opponents and silence dissent.
“In recent months, Wike has waged a relentless campaign against political parties, sowing discord within the Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, and most recently, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” the statement read. “This chaos is not the product of rivalry but a deliberate strategy to consolidate personal power.”
The group further accused the minister of displaying “authoritarian tendencies” during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, citing what it called his use of violence and intimidation to suppress opposition.
Bamidele also referenced a recent incident in which tear gas was reportedly deployed at the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as “a chilling signal that dissent will not be tolerated.”
The Democracy Watch Initiative alleged that Wike had recently “employed thugs and the police to violently disperse PDP delegates, sealed the party’s secretariat, and handed the keys to his loyalists,” acts which the group said “undermine internal party democracy and the rule of law.”
“Wike’s open opposition to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, his withdrawal of political support, and his role in the failed impeachment attempt against the governor clearly show a pattern of political manipulation and control,” the statement added.
The group further claimed that Wike’s actions had forced President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Rivers political crisis, resulting in the temporary suspension of top state officials — a development DWI said underscores “the severity of the minister’s destabilising influence.”
Bamidele accused Wike of replicating similar tactics in Abuja, alleging that the FCT Minister was using “thugs and corrupt judicial elements” to advance his political agenda.
“The recent turmoil within the PDP, particularly the faction that suspended Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and other key officials, reflects how far Wike is willing to go to maintain control,” he stated.
Calling for urgent action, the group appealed to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “check Wike’s excesses before they cause further damage to Nigeria’s political system.”
“The integrity of our democracy is at stake. Allowing such destructive behaviour to continue unchecked will not only destabilise the political process but set a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria,” the statement warned.
The Democracy Watch Initiative also urged the United States, United Kingdom, and other members of the international community to “monitor and hold accountable those who actively undermine democracy in Nigeria.”
“The global community must not look away,” the group stated. “Wike’s actions represent not just a threat to the PDP but a broader assault on democratic values. We call on civil society, the media, and all patriotic Nigerians to unite in defence of our democratic institutions.”
