By Peter Omopo
Abuja – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified why he was absent from the recent Council of State meeting, dismissing reports that he boycotted the session over the nomination of a new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike said his absence had nothing to do with the INEC nomination. He explained that he had informed President Bola Tinubu ahead of time about his prior commitments and had delegated the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him at the meeting.
“Sometime last week, Thursday, we had a flag-off, and I told the Minister of State 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,” Wike stated.
He described as “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail” the claims that he deliberately shunned the meeting because his preferred nominee for the position of INEC Chairman was not selected.
“That is why we have to be careful when people carry unnecessary propaganda and blackmail. But in spite of those things, be focused; you will achieve your results. They said I did not attend because I was not happy that my own nominee was not taken,” he added.
The Council of State meeting, held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, approved the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman, pending Senate confirmation.
In a report by Sahara Reporters, it was alleged that Wike’s relationship with President Tinubu had soured, leading to his alleged decision to boycott the meeting and attempt to influence other state officials to do the same. The report also claimed that the Minister had lobbied for Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Court of Appeal to be considered for the INEC top job.
However, Wike dismissed the claims as false and reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, saying his focus remained on delivering impactful projects in the FCT.
“I work for Mr President. Mr President’s judgment, as far as I’m concerned, in this country has always been how to put this country in the right perspective. Be focused. When you start delivering, the achievement will silence all critics. Today they have nothing again to say,” he said.
Wike also praised President Tinubu’s leadership style, crediting him for the FCT Administration’s successes in infrastructure and development projects.
“I have always said, when you have the right leadership, you can achieve the expected results. Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has shown the right leadership. People are talking about the achievements we have made because we have the right leadership. When you have the right leadership, you get things right,” he concluded.
