Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed speculation linking his absence from last week’s Council of State meeting to the alleged rejection of his nominee for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking Tuesday during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Wike described the reports as “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail,” urging the public to disregard such narratives.
Speculation had circulated in political circles that Wike skipped the high-level meeting because President Bola Tinubu rejected his candidate in favor of Prof. Joash Amupitan for the INEC chairman position. However, the former Rivers State governor offered a different explanation for his absence.
According to Wike, he had informed President Tinubu in advance about his inability to attend due to prior commitments. “Sometimes last Thursday, we had a flag-off and I instructed the Minister of State for FCT to represent me at the Council of State meeting,” he explained.
The minister emphasized that he had communicated his absence to the president beforehand, ensuring proper representation from the FCT at the crucial meeting. “I had already informed Mr. President that I would not be available because of other pre-scheduled engagements, so the Minister of State represented the FCT in that meeting,” Wike stated.
Addressing the speculation directly, Wike made clear his loyalty to the president and expressed confidence in Tinubu’s judgment. “They said I did not attend because I was unhappy that my nominee was not approved. I work for Mr. President, and his judgment, as far as I am concerned, has always been aimed at putting this country in the right perspective,” he declared.
The minister advised critics to focus on tangible achievements rather than spreading unverified claims. “That is why we have to be careful when people spread unnecessary propaganda and blackmail. But in spite of those things, remain focused, and you will achieve your results,” he said.
Wike further stressed that his administration’s focus remains on infrastructure development, particularly road projects across the FCT. “I have told people not to bother; be focused. When you start delivering, achievements will silence all critics. Today, they have nothing else to say, but we are concentrating on roads, and I said, take it easy,” he added.
The minister’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the appointment of a new INEC chairman, a position critical to Nigeria’s electoral process. His public clarification appears aimed at putting to rest speculation about any rift with the presidency over the matter.
