By Umini Chioma

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, seems to thrive on conflict, and his current trajectory suggests a high-stakes confrontation with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be on the horizon.

Known for his combative political style and public outbursts, Wike’s ongoing feuds are stirring up tensions within the political establishment—tensions that could eventually put his own position in jeopardy.

A Pattern of Political Conflict

Wike’s political career has been marked by a series of intense clashes, making him a polarizing figure within Nigerian politics. The former governor of Rivers State has repeatedly shown that he relishes controversy and thrives in a climate of “tensile political stress.” Here are some of the key battles currently unfolding under his watch:

Rivalry with Governor Siminalayi Fubara: Wike’s struggle to maintain control over the political machinery in Rivers State continues, despite his official departure from the statehouse. Tensions between him and Fubara are palpable, with the latter increasingly asserting his authority.

Internal Tensions within the PDP: Wike has been embroiled in power struggles within his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His aggressive political moves have caused friction with fellow party members, drawing criticism from both old and new allies.

Conflict with Governor Bala Mohammed: The personal rivalry with Governor Bala Mohammed has also escalated. Public accusations of sabotage and intimidation have sparked a bitter feud, further complicating Wike’s relationships within the party.

Clash with Ohanaeze Ndigbo: Wike’s verbal sparring with the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Azuta-Mbata, has added fuel to the fire. The insults traded between the two leaders have only deepened existing divides within the political landscape.

Enduring Rivalry with Rotimi Amaechi: Despite stepping down as governor of Rivers, Wike’s feud with his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, continues to play out in public, with both leaders locked in a fierce contest for influence in the region.

The APC Showdown: A Threat to Tinubu’s Agenda?

Wike’s recent clash with APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, signals his growing willingness to challenge the party’s top brass. In a heated exchange, Wike warned Basiru not to take his support for President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection for granted.

This remark has been widely interpreted as a veiled warning to the President himself, with Wike’s continued support being conditional on the preservation of his control over Rivers State.

This confrontation comes at a time when Wike’s influence within the APC is being questioned, and his potential to be a divisive force in the lead-up to the 2027 elections cannot be underestimated. Wike’s combative nature could very well threaten the party’s cohesion, especially if he feels his power base is being undermined.

Signals from the Presidency: A Pushback?

While Wike has remained a key ally of the Tinubu administration, signals from within the Presidency suggest a subtle pushback against his increasingly erratic behavior. Vice President Kashim Shettima recently reminded political actors that, traditionally, state governors are considered the leaders of their parties in their respective states. This comment appears to be a direct counter to Wike’s attempts to undermine Governor Fubara’s authority in Rivers.

This subtle intervention from Shettima serves as a diplomatic signal that Wike’s power may be curtailed if he continues to overstep. The contrasting relationship between Vice President Shettima and his successor, Governor Babagana Zulum—marked by loyalty and mutual respect—highlights the more stable dynamic the Presidency may prefer.

The Role of Alcohol in Wike’s Political Theatre

Some political analysts, including Kperogi, have suggested that much of Wike’s bombastic behavior is fueled by alcohol, which he allegedly consumes before making his most inflammatory statements. According to Kperogi, Wike’s “bravado” is often the result of his intoxication, and his public outbursts sometimes reveal sensitive information—such as when he recently hinted at his influence over judicial decisions in Osun State’s local government funding.

This theory suggests that Wike’s histrionics could be undermining his political credibility, especially when the lines between strategy and personal indulgence become blurred.

The End of Wike’s Political Noise?

The article concludes with a sober prediction: Wike’s increasingly erratic behavior and public spats are leading him down a dangerous path. While he may feel emboldened by his past successes and his position in the administration, the looming power of the Presidency could spell the end of his political reign. President Tinubu holds the power to remove Wike from his ministerial post, cut off his resources, and leverage his political rivals, such as Governor Fubara, to dismantle his influence.

Wike’s political “noise,” for all its attention-grabbing theatrics, may soon be silenced by the superior power and influence of the Presidency. If the current tensions escalate, Wike might find that his aggressive approach to politics has left him with fewer allies and fewer options for survival in the Nigerian political arena.

Wike’s confrontational politics have propelled him to the top, but they may also be his undoing.

If his escalating conflicts with fellow politicians and the Presidency continue, he could find himself facing an unavoidable reckoning. Whether or not he can navigate this dangerous political terrain will determine the future of his influence in Nigerian politics.

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The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has stepped in to mediate the dispute between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Abuja Technology Village (ATV) Free Zone over the planned revocation of land allocated to the hub.

The intervention follows a legal battle sparked by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s recent announcement that the government intends to repossess the land to make way for the Abuja City Walk project — a mixed-use urban development covering over 200 hectares along the Airport Road corridor.

During a visit to the FCTA, NEPZA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olufemi Ogunyemi, urged ATV operators and investors to withdraw their court case to allow for dialogue.

“I have come to discuss with the minister on the importance of supporting Abuja Technology Village to succeed, while also promoting the development of Abuja City Walk. We must work together to achieve this for the good of our nation,” Ogunyemi said.

The proposed Abuja City Walk, part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is expected to feature residential, commercial, medical, and institutional spaces, with the aim of repositioning Abuja as a global investment hub.

However, following Wike’s Monday announcement on the land revocation, ATV stakeholders took legal action to halt the move, citing the zone’s potential as a driver of economic growth.

Appealing for a peaceful settlement, Ogunyemi said the Free Trade Zones Scheme remains critical to industrialisation and the expansion of Abuja’s economy. He also revealed plans for NEPZA to assess all 63 licensed Free Trade Zones across the country to evaluate their contributions to foreign direct investment and exports.

Responding, Wike expressed his willingness to work with NEPZA in resolving the dispute, noting that Abuja’s future economic landscape depends on harmonising trade and infrastructure priorities.

“We must fulfil Mr President’s promises regarding industrialisation, trade and investment. In this context, the FCT will collaborate with NEPZA to review the future of ATV, a zone that was sponsored and supported by the FCT administration,” the minister said.

He stressed that while government welcomes investments, beneficiaries of land allocations must meet their obligations. “We are determined to enforce compliance and ensure that land allocated for developmental purposes is not left idle or misused,” Wike added.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has raised concerns over the growing disregard for the Abuja Master Plan, warning against the conversion of residential properties to commercial use without official approval.

Speaking on Friday while inaugurating two special committees to investigate land-related infractions, Wike noted that many property owners have been flouting the terms of their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).

“The C of O clearly states the purpose of the property — whether for commercial, residential, or other uses — yet you see people turning residential buildings into commercial premises without government approval. This is a clear violation,” he said.

The first committee, set up to resolve land disputes at River Park Estate, will be chaired by the General Counsel and Secretary of the Legal Service Secretariat, Barrister Salman Dako, with the Acting Director of Public Service serving as secretary. Wike tasked the committee to address irregularities in line with agreements signed between the FCT Administration and estate developers.

“You have just two weeks to finish your work. There will be no extension. If it requires you to work from morning till night, do it. We will not delay,” he warned.

The second committee will review properties whose land use clauses have been breached, particularly in areas like Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse I, Wuse II, Garki, and the Central Business District. It will be chaired by the Director of Development Control, with the Director of Urban and Regional Planning as secretary.

Wike instructed the committees to operate without fear or favour. “If I hear anyone — whether from outside or within the FCT Administration — is trying to influence you, you know the consequences. If any department tries to withhold information, inform me immediately,” he said.

He added that the committees should recommend appropriate measures, which could include outright revocation of titles or imposing penalties for conversion of land use, in line with existing guidelines.

“This assignment must be carried out with utmost professionalism,” Wike stressed, adding that the move is part of efforts to keep the public informed about government action to curb land use abuse in the FCT.

Members of the River Park Estate committee also include the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning; the Deputy Director of Lands; the Director of Security Services; the Director of Development Control; and the Director of the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated two ad-hoc committees to tackle widespread land use violations and disputes in Abuja, giving them a strict two-week deadline to submit actionable recommendations.

The first committee will investigate issues surrounding River Park Estate, focusing on alleged breaches of agreements between the FCT Administration and developers of the mass housing project. Wike expressed concern over frequent violations of development agreements, stressing that the committee’s work must be professional, transparent, and free from interference.

“The assignment must be concluded in two weeks. There will be no extension,” Wike warned. “If I hear of any undue influence from within or outside the administration, there will be consequences. Your work must be strictly in line with the terms of reference.”

The second committee will examine properties across the FCT where the original use stated in the Certificate of Occupancy has been illegally altered. Wike noted that many residential properties have been converted to commercial use without approval, violating the Abuja master plan.

“If your C of O is for residential purposes and it’s now being used commercially, that’s a violation,” he said. “The committee must advise whether such titles should be revoked, penalised, or formally converted with the appropriate fees paid.”

Wike also directed the Lands Department, Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), Development Control, and Urban and Regional Planning to compile a list of all defaulters on ground rent, including arrears from 2022 to 2025. He emphasised that recovering these funds is essential to financing critical projects in the FCT’s 2025 budget.

“The 2025 budget has been assented to, but without funds, we cannot deliver infrastructure that benefits our people. Recovering ground rent is a priority,” he said.

Both committees are expected to deliver robust recommendations that will guide the administration’s next steps in restoring order to land use and development in the nation’s capital.

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The recent controversy surrounding alleged land encroachment on the University of Abuja’s property by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has stirred both legal and public interest. In his well-argued piece, legal practitioner Olumide Babalola offers a comprehensive breakdown of the constitutional and statutory provisions that shield the university’s land from arbitrary takeover.

Babalola reminds readers that the University of Abuja, as a federally established institution, is guided by the University of Abuja Act 2004—a statute which vests control and management of university land solely in its Governing Council. This authority includes the acquisition, holding, and disposal of both movable and immovable property, subject to Section 22 of the Act, which places specific restrictions on land disposal. Notably, any such action requires the President’s written consent and cannot be unilaterally undertaken by any other authority, including the FCT Minister.

As Babalola highlights, Section 22 makes it explicitly clear that the university cannot dispose of or transfer any land without presidential approval—except for leases not exceeding 21 years or those granted to university staff for residential use. The implication here is significant: the land is protected under federal law and remains immune to external interference unless due legal process is followed.

Additionally, Babalola contextualizes this issue within the framework of the Land Use Act of 1978, which, though giving the President (or his delegate, the FCT Minister) control over land in the FCT, also outlines strict conditions under which rights of occupancy can be revoked. These include overriding public interest, which must be clearly demonstrated, and most importantly, must follow proper legal procedure involving formal notice and compensation. He points out that there is no public record of such procedures being initiated in this case.

The concern, as Babalola sees it, is that the reallocation of portions of the university’s land—allegedly to private developers—without proper revocation, compensation, or consultation, constitutes a breach of both the University’s enabling law and the Nigerian Constitution. He warns that such actions not only undermine institutional integrity but also risk future litigation, reputational damage, and policy instability.

The article further notes that the University of Abuja, as a legal entity, has the capacity to sue or be sued. Hence, Babalola urges the university to assert its rights in court if necessary, citing the legal maxim: equity aids the vigilant, not the indolent.

Importantly, Babalola emphasizes that no person—regardless of office—is above the law. The university’s land is not vacant land but a trust for the nation’s academic future. He argues that attempts to repurpose such land without compliance with laid-down laws not only defy constitutional provisions but also send a troubling signal about the sanctity of public institutions in Nigeria.

In his conclusion, Babalola calls for immediate intervention by President Bola Tinubu, the university’s Visitor, to launch an investigation into the matter. He also encourages stakeholders within the university to proactively seek legal redress to protect their statutory rights and secure the institution’s future.

Note: This article summarizes and references key arguments originally written by Olumide Babalola and does not purport to take ownership of the views expressed therein. It aims to provide a digestible overview of the legal implications raised in the original work.

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During a visit to the affected area on Saturday, Maikalangu expressed outrage at the scale of the demolition and the suffering inflicted on the indigenous Gbagyi people, many of whom have now been rendered homeless without warning or compensation.

Standing amidst the rubble of destroyed homes, churches, and even the community chief’s palace, the AMAC chairman vowed to challenge the demolition in court, affirming that both the community and the council would pursue legal redress. He maintained that the residents were the rightful landowners and deserved full compensation before any relocation or development could be justified.

Calling on President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for immediate intervention, Maikalangu also urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to assist in the resettlement of the displaced families. He decried the inhumane approach taken by the developers and questioned the logic of evicting people without alternative shelter or prior consultation. “You cannot treat human beings like this in their own ancestral land,” he said.

The AMAC chairman further declared that no construction would be permitted on the disputed land until the victims had been adequately compensated and relocated, insisting that due process must be followed and justice served. His call was echoed by community youth leader, Dikko Jezhi, who narrated how residents returned from work only to find their homes demolished and personal belongings lost. Jezhi lamented the disrespect shown to the indigenous people, emphasizing that they would continue to resist oppression peacefully. “This is our father’s land,” he said firmly, underscoring the community’s resolve to fight for their rights through lawful means.

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In a media briefing in Abuja, Prof. Manko maintained that the 11,000 hectares of land in question were legitimately allocated to the university by the Federal Government. “This land is a legacy asset of the university. It was duly allocated, and it remains crucial to the vision and growth of the institution,” she said.

Her comments followed a statement by the FCT Minister during the inauguration of the Giri access road on June 30, where Wike accused the university of illegally occupying land. “No document, nothing. That’s all you see there, fencing everywhere. And before you know it, they were going to sell our land,” Wike had said. He directed that 4,000 hectares be carved out for the university and the remaining reclaimed by the FCT Administration.

Responding, Manko emphasized that the university has never acted outside legal bounds. “We recognise the authority of the FCT Minister, but the university land is not too much. In fact, it is needed for the enormous academic, residential, and research-based plans we have,” she stated.

She outlined the university’s long-term plans for the land, which include agriculture, staff housing, tourism hubs, student hostels, and research centres. She explained that limited funding has delayed full-scale development, prompting the institution to explore public-private partnerships. “We have signed several MoUs with investors who are partnering with us to bring these projects to life,” she noted.

According to Manko, the current staff quarters sit on plots temporarily allocated by the military, with plans underway to move into permanent facilities on the main campus as soon as resources allow.

She reiterated the university’s commitment to accountability and transparency in all its dealings. “This matter is being addressed through the appropriate channels, and we remain confident that our position will stand,” she added.

The acting VC expressed hope that the misunderstanding would be resolved amicably in the interest of national development and the growth of higher education in the country.

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Wike made the announcement during the inauguration of a newly constructed rural road linking the A2 Junction on the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway to Pai community in Kwali Area Council.

Speaking at the event, the minister said: “Look at the vast area of land, and we are talking about food insecurity. With these vast lands, those of you who want to be farmers—real farmers—we are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmlands to cultivate.”

He emphasised that the opening of rural roads is part of the broader strategy to unlock agricultural potential and stimulate local economies across the FCT’s rural belt.

According to him, the FCT Administration is committed to supporting farmers through land access and infrastructure that enable sustainable food production. “We are not just constructing roads; we are connecting communities to opportunities and markets,” he added.

Wike called on prospective farmers to take advantage of the initiative, assuring them of the administration’s continued backing to ensure food self-sufficiency in the territory.

The post Wike Offers Farmland in FCT Satellite Towns to Boost Food Security appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, revealed the development during a thanksgiving service in Abuja, celebrating the successful completion of infrastructure projects commissioned to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

According to the minister, the revenue surge contrasts sharply with previous years, during which the facility generated only ₦50 million annually under its former management. He emphasized that the upgrade has transformed the centre into a world-class venue capable of hosting high-level international events and generating substantial income for the FCT Administration.

The facility was refurbished at a cost of ₦39 billion, a move that initially drew public criticism. However, the significant early returns from its operations appear to signal a shift in public perception about the investment.

Wike noted that the transformation aligns with the broader goals of enhancing the capital’s infrastructure while creating new streams of internally generated revenue to support development in the territory.

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In a major development push, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reclaimed 7,000 hectares of land from the University of Abuja in the Giri area of the capital.

Speaking during the official commissioning of a new access road in the district, Wike revealed that the university had originally laid claim to 11,800 hectares a figure unsupported by valid documentation. Following a formal review, the FCT Administration confirmed the university’s ownership of 4,000 hectares, while the rest was taken back for future use.

“We’ve got to be honest with land management,” Wike said. “You can’t just lay claim to land without proper approvals.”

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New Road to EFCC Academy Commissioned

The event also marked the unveiling of a newly constructed access road linking the community to the EFCC Academy, a key facility that will house cybercrime training hubs and law enforcement research centers.

According to Wike, the road will ease movement for residents and staff while paving the way for swift development around the academy. He praised the contractor for delivering the project ahead of schedule and promised more projects would soon follow.

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Infrastructure Expansion on the Horizon

Wike directed agencies under the FCT Administration to begin work on internal road networks, electricity, and water supply across Giri and neighboring areas. He assured residents that within the next 12 months, significant transformation would be visible.

“We’re not stopping here. This is just the beginning. The next phase will cover all the essentials roads, lights, water everything a functioning community needs.”

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Crackdown on Illegal Land Use

Sounding a note of warning, Wike made it clear that the era of unregulated land occupation is over. He urged institutions, developers, and individuals to ensure their land holdings are backed by legitimate documentation.

“If your land isn’t properly approved, don’t expect us to look the other way. We’re cleaning house,” he declared.

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Presidency Applauds the Move

President Bola Tinubu, represented at the event, praised the FCT’s renewed focus on inclusive development and infrastructure equity. He described the land recovery and road project as part of a broader mission to ensure that no community in the capital is left behind.

“We must spread development to all corners of Abuja. Every district matters,” the President said.

With this assertive move, the FCT Administration appears poised to not only reclaim underutilized land but also to transform neglected zones into hubs of progress.

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