Kano Lawmaker Declares Wike an 'Indispensable Asset' for APC and Tinubu

Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, has characterized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as an invaluable "asset" to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Jibrin emphasized Wike's significant contributions to strengthening President Bola Tinubu’s administration and enhancing its political prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite Wike remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Jibrin elaborated that Wike's involvement extends beyond his ministerial role, highlighting his crucial part in managing opposition politics through the Federal Government’s "government of national unity" arrangement. The lawmaker asserted that Wike's political activities since joining the Federal Government have directly or indirectly benefited every APC member and stakeholder in Nigeria. He further claimed that Wike has effectively "handed over Rivers State to APC," significantly bolstering the ruling party's political strength in the region.

The FCT elections were also cited as an area where Wike demonstrated his influence, with candidates stepping down in favor of APC contenders. Jibrin explained that Wike’s decision to participate in the Tinubu administration, as part of the national unity government, has been instrumental in reducing the potency of opposition politics in numerous states. He argued that without Wike's efforts in managing the opposition, many state stakeholders, including governors, would struggle to control their respective states due to an intensified opposition.

Acknowledging Wike's distinct political style and "idiosyncrasies," Jibrin advised political stakeholders to learn to manage their differences with him privately rather than engaging in public confrontations. He reiterated, "Wike is an asset," emphasizing that despite potential discomfort with this label due to perception, his contributions to the administration and the APC remain substantial. Jibrin urged governors to embrace Wike as an integral part of their broader political family, likening him to "the number 32 governor in the country, and a dedicated number 33 APC governor" due to his complete alignment with APC's objectives.

Jibrin's remarks were made in response to recent controversies surrounding Wike’s exchanges with state governors and his critical comments describing some as "lazy." While acknowledging that political disagreements are inevitable and driven by interests, Jibrin stressed the importance of handling such issues behind closed doors. Regarding the 2027 presidential election, Jibrin asserted that President Tinubu would require multiple campaign structures, a common practice in Nigerian politics, rather than relying on a single organization. He emphasized the necessity of a "steady and solid communication line" among these various bodies.

The lawmaker further positioned Wike's political activities within this wider campaign strategy, noting that the treatment of politicians from outside the APC who work with the administration could influence their continued support. Jibrin disclosed that politicians from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had expressed concerns over the public disagreements involving Wike, fearing implications for the administration's broader political coalition ahead of 2027. Consequently, Jibrin strongly urged President Tinubu to provide Wike with "much more support" to enable him to continue his valuable political activities in aid of the administration.

Nyesom Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers State, was appointed Minister of the FCT by President Tinubu in August 2023. His ongoing participation in the Federal Government while retaining his PDP membership continues to fuel political debate, especially as parties and political actors strategize and position themselves for the upcoming 2027 elections.