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2027 Presidency: Wike, Fayose, Adebutu incur wrath of PDP pro-Jonathan big shots …for endorsing Tinubu
- Lamido advocates Wike’s, Ortom’s, others’ expulsion
The plot to draft ex-President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race appears to be gathering steam.

His supporters in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday launched what some political observers interpreted to be part of the underground work to clear the way for his emergence as the party’s flag bearer.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) warned party members against further endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

Although it did not mention the names of party members who have endorsed the President so far, the NWC branded their action as anti-party.

This, according to it, has continued to “impact negatively on the PDP, leading to division, disaffection and heavy haemorrhaging of members with the capacity to diminish our party’s electoral fortune if not immediately checked.”

Top members of the PDP including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state chapter of the party, former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose as well as the Ogun State chapter of PDP led by the Chairman, Abayomi Tella, and the 2023 governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, had at different times said they were for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking for the PDP NWC in a statement yesterday, National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the wave of endorsements was an affront on the party.

His words: ““The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reviewed the anti-party activities of certain members of the party, particularly those endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

“Of serious concern is the persistent public media outbursts against our Party by some prominent members whose actions and utterances, including their public declaration of support and willingness to work for the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Presidential election in violation of the provision of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), constitute a serious threat to the stability and sustenance of our Party.

“Specifically, Section 10 (6) of the PDP Constitution provides that ‘NO MEMBER of the Party SHALL align with other Parties or groups to undermine the Party or any of its elected government’.

“In the light of the foregoing and the instancy of protecting and preserving the existence of our Party and its electoral fortune, the NWC, pursuant to the provisions of Section 59 (1) of the PDP Constitution hereby issues a strong reprimand against such anti-party activities and cautions those involved to retrace their steps or face stiffer sanctions as provided in the PDP Constitution.

“The NWC charges all members of the Party to remain loyal, focused and continue to work assiduously towards the successful conduct of the PDP National Convention scheduled to hold on the 15th and 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.”

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The statement comes on the heels of a hint dropped earlier in the week by former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, that Jonathan was highly qualified to seek re-election as president on the platform of the party.

“He’s very qualified because he did not leave the party. The more the merrier,” George said in an interview.

He added: “All those who say they want to contest should wait till 2035. He is the easiest to sell because he has a track record, especially the economic indices Nigeria witnessed during his tenure.”

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party at its recent 101st meeting in Abuja categorically zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the south.

A northern state governor has been in the forefront of the underground moves to draft Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race.

The governor was a minister under Jonathan.

Party sources said he would not mind to be Jonathan’s running mate, and if the ticket prevails in the 2027 election, he would be in a good stead to run for the presidency himself.

However, there are concerns about the provisions of Sections 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which restrict someone who has been sworn in as president twice from being elected into the same office for more than a single term.

The Section stipulates thus: “A person who was sworn-in as President to complete the term for which another person was elected as president shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

Two months ago, former first lady Patience Jonathan hinted that her husband would not be in the 2027 race.

She committed her family to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during an award ceremony in Abuja, Dame Patience said: “We don’t have two presidents. I am outspoken—if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die with it.

“I believe in one President. I believe in turn by turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so that the country can move forward.”

Wike, Ortom, others must be expelled for campaigning against party — Lamido

For ex-Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, it is expulsion of Nyesom Wike; former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, and other PDP members or nothing, for allegedly working against the party during the 2023 general elections.

Lamido said on Channels Television yesterday that it was time to end what he called the long-standing culture of impunity within the party.

“All those erring members, the Wikes, the Ortoms, the Ikpeazus and others, who openly campaigned against the PDP in the 2023 elections, and who say that they are going to work for APC in 2027, should be sacked from the party,” he said.

Continuing, the former foreign affairs minister said: “From way back after the primaries of 2022 leading to the elections of 2023, there are people who, because of their own interest and ambition, felt aggrieved about what transpired in the party’s convention and what they felt was not being able to address their interests as individuals at the elections.

“And they turned out against the party and fought the party. We’ve been having this kind of problem: the impunity of people castrating the party and denouncing it.

“In the constitution, if you breach the party’s code, you are sanctioned. But somehow, going into a ditch, the party executives are now alive to their responsibilities.”

Lamido vowed to keep off meetings of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT) until disciplinary action is taken against those who worked against the party.

He also expressed support for Jonathan’s return as president on the platform of PDP, saying: ““I think for PDP now they should try and woo him; he is their best bet. To me, he is their best bet. Anybody put forth by the PDP, Nigerians will support him.

“He is most welcomed, competent and very qualified. To me, I welcome him into the PDP. I think so far in the PDP, with all respect to all members, I don’t see a better alternative than Jonathan if he comes to the PDP.

“I don’t see any other person, really. If we are giving the presidency to the South, it will be the PDP. Who is there in PDP now that can challenge Jonathan in terms of being in office, being full-headed, being somebody who is willing to listen, and somebody who is also a key player who believes in partnership?”

South must retain Presidency in 2027, say Niger Delta leaders

Some Niger Delta leaders have asked northern stakeholders agitating for power shift to their zone in 2027 to exercise restraint and wait for their turn in 2031.

The Niger Delta leaders say the south must be allowed to complete its tenure.

The Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT); Sir Amorighoye Mene; former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Frank Okiye; a human rights lawyer, Oghenejabor Ikimi and a popular Niger Delta activist, Fyneface Dumnamene, urged the agitators to support a southern President in 2027.

Mene said any attempt to shift power to the north in 2027 would not only jeopardise the country’s unity, but would also breed inequity and unfairness towards Nigeria’s southerners.

He maintained that the mutual understanding of power rotation following the June 12, 1993 saga, has served as a lesson that anything otherwise could shred Nigeria’s existence.

“In Nigeria today, there is the understanding that power should rotate between the North and the South, even though it is not embedded in the constitution because the unity of this country will be jeopardised.

“That is why the two major parties in 1999 had southerners as candidates, having learnt from the June 12 saga. There is bound to be equity and fairness,” he said.

He added: “For the interest of this country, for us to remain one, power should remain in the South. The reason PDP is what it is today is because of the principle of rotation of power.

“The south must retain President in 2027. If there is anything otherwise, then the basis of our coexistence will be in issue. What is fair is fair. They should not push Nigeria to the precipice. By 2031, we can then back the northern candidate of our choice.”

Former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Frank Okiye said Nigerians would decide their President in 2027.

He said Tinubu is doing well and he wants to see Tinubu re-elected President.

He said: “There is a subsisting government who is doing well. He is putting a lot of structures in place that will turn around the country in economic, security and investment sense. 2027 is another year of election where the current President knows that he will be presenting his report card.

“Upon his performance, the Nigeria people will decide whether to reelect him or not. I am not going to be discussing the politics of power sharing. My concern is that there is a subsisting president and he is doing his best. It is not time to adjudge or not.

“If by 2027, Nigerians will decide who to vote for. This President is likely to seek re-election. Anybody could be interested to contest. What concerns me is that the one sitting there is doing well and I will support his re-election.”

Human rights lawyer, Oghenejabor Ikimi, noted that while there is no law backing power rotation between the North and the South, the “gentleman’s agreement” ensures that the country remains united.

Ikimi, the Executive Director, Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged (CENTREP), said: “There is no law that says it should not go to the North. The rotation of power is a gentleman’s agreement. Those agitating are just politicians whose lives depend on politics. They are just blackmailing the present President.

“You don’t play politics with everything; they are just dividing the nation into two. They know what they are gaining from politics. They are not going there to make any impact. When your politics has become a lucrative business, then you will do anything to get power.

Another Niger Delta right activist in Port Harcourt, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, vehemently kicked against the agitation for power shift to the North in 2027, describing it as unfair to the South.

Fyneface, who is the Executive Director of Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC)- Nigeria, said the South is entitled to remain in power till 2031, and that anything other than that would be an invitation to crisis.

He said: “All political parties in Nigeria should be fair to the South and field only Southern candidates as their presidential flag bearer in 2027.

“Now what will happen is that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wins the poll, he will complete south’s tenure and return the power to the North. But if another person wins, the person will do only one term and return power to the North.

“Any northerner running for President in 2027 and any political party fielding a Northern candidate for 2027 to oust a Southern candidate is being ungrateful and inconsiderate to the South”.
August 9, 2025
Wike to host global investors at 2025 Business Investment Expo

Over 500 high-level participants from 40 countries are set to attend this year’s Abuja Business Investment Expo.

Convened by the Abuja Investment Company Limited, AICL with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike as chief host, the high-level event holds from October 22 to 25, 2025 at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The annual gathering which will feature top government officials, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, diplomats, financiers and innovators within and outside the country, will also showcase the investment opportunities in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the sub-nationals and other emerging markets.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potential in Emerging Markets,” highlights the critical importance of innovative and inclusive approaches to economic development.

It will also feature panel discussions, keynote speeches, business matchmaking sessions, stimulating debates and interactive networking opportunities that will make a lasting impression on attendees.

The Expo is part of a broader vision of the Minister of the FCT to reposition Abuja as a global investment hub, foster sustainable urban development, and drive economic diversification through strategic partnerships and private sector engagement.

Read Also: Wike vows to seal buildings of ground rent defaulters

According to the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AICL, Dr. Maureen Tamuno, this convergence of diverse perspectives will not only explore investment opportunities but also address the pressing challenges facing emerging markets, paving the way for practical solutions and actionable strategies.

She highlighted the primary objectives of the investment summit to include: showcasing the economic and investment potential in the FCT across various sectors; providing a forum for dialogue between policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities in Abuja’s business environment; facilitating collaborations between government agencies and private sector entities to drive, innovation and economic growth; connecting local entrepreneurs with international businesses, investors, and development as well as fostering a robust knowledge exchange platform that empowers stakeholders with insights into investment trends, regulatory frameworks, and market opportunities.

August 9, 2025
Wike frowns at level of distortion of Abuja master plan

…inaugurates committee on crisis in River Park estate, Land use abuse

…says enforcement on ground rent defaulters will commence soon

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Friday expressed displeasure over how some people have converted residential buildings into commercial buildings without prior approval from government.

Wike explained that the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) always indicates the purpose for usage, which could be for commercial, residential or other uses, in line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan.

In order to effect positive change, the minister inaugurated two committees to address the land issues at River Park Estates and abuse of the Land Use Act in the nation’s capital.

While inaugurating the committees, Wike said the issues are important to restructure the activities of the FCT Administration on emerging land matters.

He said; “Today you find out that all those provisions were being violated without prior approval from the government. You will see people with C of O, whose purpose is for residential, but turned to commercial. This, of course, is a violation of the certificate that was issued”.

Wike said the River Park Committee would be chaired by the General Counsel/Secretary, Legal Service Secretariat, Barrister Salman Dako and acting Director, Public Service as secretary.

He pointed out that sometimes the government gives out letters of intent to those who declare interest to develop mass housing.

Read Also: Wike vows to seal buildings of ground rent defaulters

According to him, the FCT Administration always signs MoUs with estate developers, adding, however, that in most cases, the clauses in the agreements end up being violated.

River Park estate committee, Wike said, was inaugurated to look into the land issues in the estate and advise the FCTA on the necessary steps needed to correct the glitches.

He gave the committee two weeks ultimatum to conclude the assignment, and warned that there would be no extension of time.

“So, if it requires you to sit from morning till night, may it be so. We will not delay,” he said.

Wike advised the committee to carry out the task with utmost professionalism and warned the members against giving in to internal or external influence.

He said; “If I hear that somebody has interest, be it from outside or be it from the FCTA, particularly Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and the administration department, you know the consequences of it.

“If there’s any department that’s trying to stop you from getting information, let me know on time”.

The second committee was on the review of land uses/purpose clauses of land and properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities.

It will be chaired by the Director, Development Control, with Director, Urban and Regional Planning as Secretary.

The minister explained that the committee would identify all those areas that were in violation of the use of the C of O given to residents, as the case may be.

He said that the area could be in the Central Business Area, Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse I, or Wuse II, as the case may be.

Wike said; “Having identified them, you have to recommend to the government what appropriate steps to be taken in compliance with extant guidelines.

“This is very, very important to us. Are you going to say outright revocation for not complying with the provisions in the C of O or there would be a penalty if they asked for conversion and pay the appropriate fee?

“The committee has two weeks to deliver on the task and come up with a robust recommendation of what the government is to do.

“Like I said earlier, this job has to be done without outside or inside interference”.

Wike said that the move was necessary for the public to know what the government was doing to address the anomalies in land use in FCT.

Other members of the river park estate committee included Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning and Deputy Director, Land.

Others are Director, Security Services Department, Director Development Control, and Director, AGIS.

For the committee on the review of land uses/purpose clauses of land and properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities, the members included Director, Land Administration and Director, Surveying and Mapping.

Others are Director, AGIS, and Director, Engineering Services.

In addition to inaugurating the committees, Wike also directed the heads of relevant departments, including Lands, AGIS, Development Control, and Urban and Regional Planning, to immediately provide a comprehensive list of all defaulters on ground rent payments, including those from 2024 and 2025, for enforcement.

The Minister who underscored the urgency of the action, explained that generating revenue from outstanding ground rent was vital to the funding of critical infrastructure projects in the 2025 budget, which he revealed has been assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike said; “So, all those that are owing, from the ones that have been published and the ones that are owing from 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we have to provide it so that we start immediate implementation in order to receive funds that will aid us in the development of infrastructure.

“The 2025 budget of the FCT, which has been assigned to by Mr. President, has been submitted to us without funds. There is no way you can embark on projects that will have positive impacts on the lives of our people without funds. So, please – Director Lands, AGIS, Development Control, Urban and Regional Planning, make sure that you work very tirelessly to see that this result is achieved”.

August 8, 2025
Changing the face of transportation system through modern bus terminals

Before now, ‘one chance’ menace has been a problem in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, the recent commitment by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to provide safe environment for commuters to avoid horrible incidents has been commended by President Bola Tinubu and residents. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports.

‘One chance’ menace has been one issue that has been upsetting residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Several people have lost their lives and property due to its upsurge. Many don’t feel safe boarding public and private vehicles along the road to avoid horrible incidents.

In May 2024, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike awarded the contract for the construction of three modern bus terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo and Central Area.

Wike conceptualised building bus terminals in Abuja to address the lack of organised public transportation facilities and curb the prevalence of “one-chance” robberies and other criminal activities linked to public transportation.

He recognised the need for designated areas for commuters to safely board buses and taxis, which would also create job opportunities.

The construction of the bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo began in July 2024, while that of the Central Area started in September 2024.

Fitted with quality facilities, the bus terminals will operate for 24 hours and offer amenities such as food courts, restrooms and entertainment facilities to make commuting more comfortable and cinema halls.

As for security, the terminals are designed to be secure environments, with features such as Close Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance to protect commuters.

Designed to welcome about 10,000 passengers daily, the Mabushi and Kugbo bus terminals can also house 120 buses and taxis each daily, for both intercity and intra-city travels.

A cross section of Abuja residents and visitors have applauded the initiative, while for those that worked at the construction site, jobs were created.

Mr. Steve Chukwudi, a business man who lives in Kuje advised the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Wike to ensure that the transport facilities are put in proper use with effective monitoring.

Chukwudi hoped that the development will further curb the issue of one chance menace in the country’s capital.

Mrs. Ayomide Oluwadamisi, who sells food, said the construction site afforded her the opportunity to make money from the workers on site.

Ibrahim Sani appreciated the minister for mandating the contractor to employ residents, adding that his means of income significantly improved.

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A cleaner at the Kugbo terminal, Susan Oma expressed happiness that she worked at the terminal. She expressed optimism for a brighter future as a worker in the facility.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Planet Project Limited, Biodun Otunola, who spoke with Abuja Review said the terminals were designed to process more than 10,000 passengers each daily.

He said the terminals can accommodate 120 buses and taxis daily, for both intercity and intra-city travels. He, however, said that the terminal under construction in the Central Business District (CBD) was different, adding that it was essentially designed for intra-city operations.

Otunola said: “We can take over 120 buses here and we have designed this place in such a way that it can handle up to 10,000 passengers every day. It’s the same thing with the one in Mabushi. They are of the same concept, but the one at CBD, which is the third one, is a bit different.

“The one at CBD is essentially for the city operation within Abuja, while Mabushi and Kugbo are designed to run intra-city and inter-city operations.”

He further explained that each of the three terminals would employ at least 100 people.

“People would be in the security department, some in the ticketing department and others in facility management, control room, electrical department, mechanical department, maintenance department and bus control. It is huge. It’s like running a mini-airport.

“We will need one bus terminal in Gwagwalada, one in Kuje, in Gwarinpa and Lugbe, including the city centre in places such as Area 1, Area 3 in Garki, Wuse and other strategic locations,” he said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister Wike for giving Planet Project, a local contractor, the opportunity to showcase its capacity to execute world-standard bus terminals for the residents of the territory.

“I feel very happy that the government is beginning to trust its own people to do the right thing and to execute this kind of project. The company engaged 3,000 workers, comprising both skilled, unskilled artisans and security. Part of the conditions in the contract required the company to employ residents in the execution of the project as part of the FCT Administration’s strategy for job creation.

“FCT residents have enjoyed enormously from this project. We have employed a whole lot of them. You know it’s a construction site and certain workers will be needed at certain stages of the construction. It is difficult to give you an exact number but more than 3,000 residents have been engaged and more will be employed as the work progresses.

“The terminal will operate 24 hours a day, providing commuters with a safe and comfortable space to wait for their buses. There will be amenities such as food courts, restrooms, and entertainment facilities. I wonder how, since the creation of Abuja, and a city, a capital city of a country, we cannot have an organized transport system. Now, we are going to build another one in Bwari and Gwagwalada, so that if you are coming to the city, you know that you are safe. If you lose any of your items, you know the vehicle you boarded. That is the way it is the world over,” he said.

During the inauguration, Wike had said: “Mr. President, the government is not a big business person. This will not be run by the transport secretariat. It will be managed by private individuals who have the idea to run this kind of business. And they pay us revenue. So, as the Mandate Secretary of Transportation, you have no business here. All this grammar the Mandate Secretary of Transportation has said, please, your job ends after this inauguration. You have finished your job. It will now be run by private people; so that we can talk of how it will be sustained. “This is so because if you allow the government, civil servants, politicians to do this, in two weeks’ time, it will die.”

During the inauguration of Mabushi and Kugbo by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 17 and 26 respectively, the FCT Minister reiterated that the essence of the project was to enhance security by reducing the number of unauthorized vehicles, thereby reducing congestion on the roads.

During the inauguration of the Mabushi bus terminal on July 17, President Tinubu commended Wike’s commitment to providing first-class infrastructure for Abuja, evident in the quality and speed of project delivery.

He also opined that beyond the immediate benefits of organised transport and heightened security; the project will also serve as a powerful engine for economic empowerment.

President Tinubu said: “We are taking decisive steps to bring order, accountability and safety to public transportation. As we inaugurate the Mabushi Bus Terminal, we are not just opening a building; we are opening a new chapter for public transportation in Abuja. We are reaffirming our promise to provide a city where citizens can live, work, and commute with dignity, safety, and efficiency. This is a clear demonstration that our Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a slogan, but a lived experience for our people.

“I urge all residents and transporters to make full use of this facility, to cooperate with the authorities, and to embrace this new era of organized and secure public transit. Why my administration has prioritised high-impact transportation infrastructure, among which is this bus and taxi terminal, is the undeniable fact that no country has recorded noticeable progress without modernisation and expansion of its critical public mobility and public utilities.

“As encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda of my administration, my solemn promise to rebuild and revitalise our country’s infrastructure, enhance the lives of Nigerians, create an environment where security and efficiency become the order of the day, are being fulfilled, one significant step at a time. You will all agree with me that the Mabushi and now Kugbo International Bus Terminals meet global standards and global principles of sustainable urban development in the area of transportation and automatically erase these ugly experiences of chaotic public transportation in our capital city, previously fraught with challenges.

“The terminals align with development goals of transit-oriented cities with smart mobility, compact living spaces, parking management, winning support of stakeholders and citizens, and ultimately transforming lives. We heard your concerns. We understood your fears. And we acted. With your compliance, you will no longer suffer from ‘one chance’ by the roadside.”

To further ensure that Abuja is safe, Wike has set up a task force to go after ‘one chance’ syndicates and beggars.

The initiative, named Operation Sweep Abuja was ordered by Wike, in line with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other existing regulations.

The minister had, in October 2024, asked roadside beggars to vacate the streets within five days or face arrest.

He had, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka said the operation would be carried out by a Joint Task Force comprising security agencies and relevant FCTA departments and agencies.

He said: “In line with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other relevant laws, Wike has directed the immediate evacuation of miscreants, street beggars, traders, scavengers and other criminal elements from the FCT.”

The administration said the move is part of ongoing efforts to restore order, ensure public safety and maintain the aesthetic integrity of Nigeria’s capital city.

“Our country’s capital should be a secure symbol of pride and beauty, not a site for street beggars and scavengers, most of whom are agents of criminal elements,” he said.

Olayinka explained that people arrested during the operation would be profiled and subsequently handed over to their respective state governments.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to the safety of residents, and urged collective responsibility in making Abuja safer.

“Security of lives and properties of residents of the FCT is of paramount importance to the government. We must all join hands to achieve a safer Abuja,” he added.

The FCTA identified other targets of the crackdown to include “one chance” syndicates criminal gangs who pose as public transporters to rob unsuspecting commuters, along with illegal street traders and loiterers.

This move comes amid increasing concerns over rising petty crimes and the proliferation of informal activities across major parts of the capital, particularly in areas such as Wuse, Garki, Nyanya and Kubwa.

While the government insisted the action is necessary to safeguard the city, human rights advocates have raised concerns about the approach and its implications for vulnerable populations, including the homeless and unemployed.

Though the bus terminals are not yet operational, many residents have called on the administration to hasten plans and put them in use.

August 6, 2025
Wike threatens to seal off ground rent defaulters’ buildings
- FCT minister rejects ‘double-faced’ accusation, defends service in APC govt
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has threatened to seal the properties of defaulting property owners who have not paid their ground rents.

The minister announced this during his monthly media chat yesterday in Abuja and monitored by our correspondent.

President Bola Tinubu had given a two-week ultimatum to defaulters of the ground rent to pay within the period or face sanction, after the administration began sealing the properties of defaulters on May 26.

Wike said: “You should know what I’m going to do next. I thank God the President said two weeks. We are at more than three months.

“That is Nigeria for you. We have just finished a programme of inaugurating projects. Very soon, we are going to seal up all those properties. I am going to seal them up.”

The FCT minister decried the failure of some defaulters to pay up their debts, despite the President’s period of grace.

He noted that without recovery of the rent, the FCT Administration would not carry out infrastructure developments.

Wike added: “You can’t deny us the taxes we will use for development. You’re talking about the health sector now; you’re talking about education. What have we done in other sectors? With what? You want this. Pay us the taxes that you should pay, but you said no.

“We have listened to Mr. President. In his wisdom, he has said: give them two weeks, give them one month. We have done that. Some have complied, some have refused to comply.

“Tomorrow, by the time you start doing this, of course, the normal politics will come up. I will not listen to that.

Read Also: Wike to critics: appreciate Tinubu’s govt for doing well

“Bear it in mind: I won’t do it. If you have not complied, if you have not paid, we are going to seal it up. There’s no magic of talking long. You can blackmail as you want. You can go to Arise, stay there for how many hours. We are going to carry it out.”

The FCT minister also refuted allegations of political treachery, defending his decision to serve in President Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration while maintaining his membership of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike said he took serious exception to an interviewer who drew a parallel between him and the two-faced Roman god, Janus.

The minister dismissed the comparison, arguing that his actions have been transparent and consistent.

He said: “I am not double-faced. I take very serious exception to that. No. They (Atiku and his allies) could not say they saw me in their campaigns; that I spoke in their favour and then I went and did a different thing. They would have meant double face. From day one, I said no.

“Two, I said, having not supported them, who am I going to support in the South? There were two alternative parties – the APC and the LP. In my judgement, I looked at who could win the election and who had the capacity to take Nigeria away from where we were. And I was right. Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the election.”

Wike recalled that the late Chief Bola Ige was a member of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) when he served in the PDP administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. “So, did Bola Ige have a double face?” he queried.

During the live broadcast, the minister also declared that the Abuja City Walk, modeled after Dubai’s iconic urban boulevard, will replace the long-abandoned Abuja Technology Village, whose land allocations were recently revoked due to non-performance and alleged land racketeering.

Wike accused the supposed developers of the Abuja Technology Village of using the land for commercial rent and storage purposes instead of fulfilling their original development commitments.

“The FCTA provided the infrastructure for more than 20 years, and nothing has been done. You go there, they have rented out the place, you see where NNPC tankers are parked, and they collect money. So many people are now claiming to have C of Os. I said okay, I must resolve this problem. There is nothing called Abuja Technology Village,” he said.
August 5, 2025
Wike vows to seal buildings of ground rent defaulters

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, on Monday insisted that he will seal up properties of defaulting property owners, who have not paid their ground rents.

The Minister stated this during his monthly media chat in Abuja monitored by our correspondent.

President Bola Tinubu had given a two-week ultimatum to defaulters of the payment of ground rent, within which to pay the ground

rent, after the administration began sealing the properties of defaulters on May 26 2025.

Wike said; “You should know what I’m going to do next. I thank God the President said two weeks; we are at more than three months.

“That is Nigeria for you. We have just finished a programme of commissioning projects. Very soon, we are going to seal up all those properties. I am going to seal it up”.

He also lamented the failure of some of the defaulters to pay up the debts, despite the President’s period of grace, noting that without recovery of the monies, the administration would not carry out infrastructure developments.

The Minister said; “You can’t deny us the taxes we will use for development. You’re talking about the health sector now; you’re talking about education. What have we done in other sectors? With what? You want this. Pay us the taxes that you should pay, but you said no.

“We have listened to Mr President in his wisdom; give them two weeks, give them one month, we have done that. Some have complied, some have refused to comply.

Read Also: Wike to critics: appreciate Tinubu’s govt for doing well

“Tomorrow, by the time you start doing this, of course, the normal politics will come up. I will not listen to that.

“Bear it in mind, I won’t do it. If you have not complied, if you have not paid, we are going to seal it up. There’s no magic of talking long, talking this, you can blackmail as you want, you can go to Arise, stay there for how many hours, we are going to carry it out”.

He also rejected allegations of political treachery, defending his decision to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration while maintaining his membership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP.

Wike took serious exception to an interviewer who drew a parallel between him and the two-faced Roman god, Janus.

In Roman mythology, Janus is often depicted with two faces, one looking forward and the other looking backwards.

The minister dismissed the comparison, arguing that his actions have been transparent and consistent.

Wike elaborated on his decision-making process, asserting that he never concealed his opposition to the PDP’s presidential campaign. “From Day One, I said no,” he declared.

He explained that, having openly withdrawn his support for the PDP, he was faced with a choice between two other viable parties, the APC and the Labour Party (LP).

He said; “I am not double-faced. I take very serious exceptions to that. No. They (Atiku and Co) could not say they saw me in their campaigns, that I spoke in their favour and then I went and did a different thing. They would have meant double face. From Day One, I said no.

“Two, I said, having not supported them, who am I going to support in the South? There were two alternative parties – the APC and the LP. In my own judgement I looked at who could win the election and who had the capacity to take Nigeria away from where we were. And I was right. Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the election”.

Wike recalled that the late Chief Bola Ige was a member of the defunct Alliance for Democracy AD when he served in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. “So, did Bola Ige have a double face”, he queried.

During the live broadcast, the Minister also declared that the Abuja City Walk, modeled after Dubai’s iconic urban boulevard, will replace the long-abandoned Abuja Technology Village, whose land allocations were recently revoked due to non-performance and alleged land racketeering.

Wike accused the supposed developers of the Abuja Technology Village of using the land for commercial rent and storage purposes instead of fulfilling their original development commitments.

“The FCTA provided the infrastructure for more than 20 years, and nothing has been done. You go there, they have rented out the place, you see where NNPC tankers are parked, and they collect money. So many people are now claiming to have C of Os. I said okay, I must resolve this problem. There is nothing called Abuja Technology Village,” he said.

Wike revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with a private investor for the Abuja City Walk project, which will feature high-end retail spaces, leisure spots, and international-standard infrastructure.

“We are privileged to have travelled. Then when you go to some of these cities, you say, wow! What is difficult is that we cannot replicate these in our cities too?” the Minister asked, adding that” These are cities where you can find everything that improves the lives of the people and then will improve the economy and create jobs.”

According to Wike, performance clauses have been embedded in the agreement to ensure compliance, and the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar investment is expected to be commissioned next year.

The Minister announced a new policy that mandates clear development timelines for landowners, adding that failure to build will result in forfeiture of land back to the FCT Administration.

He noted that this will crackdown on dormant land holdings.

On the controversy surrounding the revoked University of Abuja land, Wike insisted that the institution still retain over 4,000 hectares—more than adequate space for academic development.

“They’ve not developed the land for years. People say it’s full of rocks. But the EFCC academy is there now. Other developments are springing up,” he said.

Wike highlighted that the recently reopened Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, formerly Abuja International Conference Center has generated N1.2bn in just one month, an increase from the N50m it previously remitted annually.

He said; “This is what we talk about when we say proper management. This facility is now contributing meaningfully to the government’s revenue.”

Responding to criticisms that the FCTA’s development is overly focused on infrastructure, the minister defended the ongoing investments in education, roads, and rural projects.

Wike said; “We’re not saying we’ve done everything. But we are doing what will at least make a difference in the lives of the people, and that’s the whole point of governance”.

He further invited journalists to tour rural schools and witness ongoing rehabilitations.

The minister announced plans to commission ten completed schools in remote communities and reaffirmed the FCTA’s support for education, including teacher remuneration, despite funding constraints in Area Councils.

While addressing the political situation in Rivers State, Wike said the six-month emergency rule may not be extended.

He disclosed that President Tinubu had issued a new directive mandating the conduct of local government elections within 30 days, to replace the previous 360-day emergency window.

“The President is not comfortable with dragging this arrangement. A new regulation has been signed in July, compelling council polls within a month,” he said.

He stated that the acting state administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, will supervise the elections to restore democracy to the grassroots.

On national politics, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP but maintained his controversial support for APC’s Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections, which he justified as a matter of conviction.

He said; “I didn’t support Atiku because I believed Tinubu would win. He has the courage to make decisions. Look at the fuel subsidy, he removed it despite all odds”.

August 4, 2025
No crisis in PDP after Atiku’s exit, says Wike

….insists South-South Congress must stand

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that there is currently no crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking during a live media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the party must now respect and uphold the outcome of the recently held South-South Zonal Congress, which produced Chief Daniel Orbi as the National Vice Chairman.

“Our South-South Zonal Congress that was held must be upheld. There’s no doubt, no two words about it,” Wike stated, stressing that the process was valid and had judicial backing.

The minister warned against any attempt to undermine the congress, which took place in Calabar, Cross River State. He dismissed claims by some party leaders that the congress lacked proper authorisation, saying a court ruling permitted the exercise.

“Our congress was held in Calabar, and there’s nothing anybody can tell us. The Court allowed for Congress to hold,” he said. “If they want another round of Congress, so be it. But our Congress held, and Chief Daniel Orbi emerged as the National Vice Chairman.”

Wike also criticised the PDP’s acting National Chairman for initially opposing the congress, accusing him of trying to sideline the wishes of South-South PDP members.

“When we were doing our South-South Congress, the Acting National Chairman claimed that PDP governors were not in support. Where are the PDP governors now?” he asked pointedly.

Read Also: Wike to critics: appreciate Tinubu’s govt for doing well

Taking a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Wike criticised his recent move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as another chapter in Atiku’s long history of party defections since 1999.

Wike maintained that with Atiku’s departure, the PDP has an opportunity to stabilise and focus on internal cohesion, provided party leadership honours democratic processes and regional decisions.

“Atiku was in the PDP in 1999, then he joined the Action Congress (AC). After AC, he returned to the PDP, later moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and then back to the PDP again, all in pursuit of the presidential ticket.

“If I were his son, I would sit him down and ask: ‘Dad, how can you keep hopping from one party to another at almost 80 years old?’” he said.

The FCT minister attributed Atiku’s latest defection to his fading prospects in the PDP and desperation to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

“The way the PDP is now, it is not likely that Atiku would get a ticket; therefore, it is not comfortable. Therefore, he tells you, ‘Let’s do a coalition against Tinubu.’ It’s not right.

“It is because he cannot get the presidential ticket under the PDP that he pushed for a coalition,” he said.

Wike dismissed the opposition coalition as an unserious venture, maintaining that such alliances rarely succeed in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The minister also condemned the former Senate President, David Mark, for defecting to ADC.

He mocked David Mark, questioning his performance while in office as Senate president.

August 4, 2025
Wike to critics: appreciate Tinubu’s govt for doing well

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday urged critics to applaud the administration of President Bola Tinubu for the dividends of democracy.

Wike said this while responding to critics claiming that his administration was focusing development efforts only on high-profile government districts without stakeholders’ involvement.

Speaking during a live media parley in Abuja monitored by our correspondent, the FCT minister said detractors were either misinformed or intentionally ignoring the facts about the scope and direction of the FCT’s development under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Wike said, “We engage stakeholders. I am not bothered that they said the provider of the infrastructure is showcasing. Can you provide infrastructure without urban planning. people should appreciate this government?”

He recalled his administration’s efforts to engage grassroots communities across the FCT’s six area councils, noting that those consultations directly informed policy and project priorities.

Wike said, “When we came on board, we visited the six area councils. We sat with the youths, traditional rulers and the women. That was the first time that the stakeholders said, ‘This is our priority”.

According to him, this collaborative process led to establishing a Youth Secretariat and a Women’s Secretariat, initiatives he said had never existed before in Abuja.

“It was a result of engagement with Mr. President,” he added.

He went further, “What are people talking about, non-engagement with stakeholders? Who are the stakeholders? There has been engagement, and stakeholders’ input drives the economy of any country.

“What brings investors? Will investors bring infrastructure and broadband? These are the primary things that investors will see and come and say, ‘I want to establish a private university, hospital, or an agricultural factory”.

He also took a swipe at those simply criticizing for its sake, adding that; “People criticize when they don’t have anything to say. I will use one local thing we usually say in my place, my people say ‘when you don’t have anything to say against somebody, you say, ‘See as him be.” he joked.

Read Also: FCTA to screen food handlers for hepatitis – Wike

Wike noted that performance should be recognized, regardless of personal bias.

He said, “You must appreciate when a government has done well; you don’t need to like the person in charge,” Wike said, adding that no one should expect every inherited problem to be solved within just two years.

“This is a government that inherited so many issues. Something that hasn’t happened in 10 years since 1999, you expect someone to do it in two years? It can’t be done.”

Wike emphasized that this administration means well for the people.

There are challenges, Wike said, noting that the administration is addressing them.

August 4, 2025
Tamuno applauds Wike’s FCT reforms, urges business leaders to drive economic renewal

.•As stakeholders partner media to address gaps in antimalaria campaign

The Group Managing Director of Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, has hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his transformative leadership in repositioning the nation’s capital as a modern and investor-friendly city.

Tamuno gave the commendation while chairing the Abuja Members’ Evening of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, held at Anthill Apartments in Abuja. The high-level gathering, themed “From Control to Collaboration: Reimagining Leadership Mindsets for a New Generation,” convened corporate executives, governance experts, and policymakers to reflect on the evolving demands of leadership in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.

In her keynote remarks, Tamuno underscored the urgency of embracing collaborative leadership as a national imperative. “Nigeria’s economic destiny can no longer be shaped by siloed thinking. It requires intersectoral partnerships, generational dialogue, and regional synergy,” she said. Drawing inspiration from the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, she advocated for inclusive economic policies, enhanced private sector participation, and sustainable development models to unlock the nation’s full potential.

Reflecting on her diplomatic experience as Nigeria’s ambassador to four Caribbean nations, Tamuno described the deep emotional and cultural ties the African diaspora continues to hold with Nigeria. “In the Caribbean, many dream of returning to the Motherland. But we must make it viable,” she said. “As directors and business leaders, you are the engine room of this transformation. Let us build industries, create jobs, and foster prosperity.”

She praised Minister Wike’s “bold leadership and unwavering commitment to infrastructure renewal and institutional reform,” noting that his vision has accelerated the FCT’s evolution into an investment hub.

President and Chairman of the CIoD Governing Council, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji, said the event’s theme was timely, given the global shifts in leadership paradigms. He noted that traditional, control-based leadership models are increasingly inadequate in today’s digitally-driven, multigenerational business environment. “Leaders must now listen, empower, and adapt,” Oyebanji said. “Inclusive leadership is no longer optional—it is essential.”

The evening featured a compelling keynote address by Mrs. Rose Eshiett, MCIoD and CEO of Maroto Energy Consult, who outlined adaptive leadership strategies within Nigeria’s dynamic energy sector.

The event drew a host of distinguished guests including Alhaji Tijjani M. Borodo, LLM, FCIoD, Immediate Past President of CIoD Nigeria; Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, FCIoD, First Vice President; Alhaji Lamis S. Dikko, FCIoD, Second Vice President; and Mrs. Chukwurah Nwando, Chairman of the CIoD Abuja Zone.

Meanwhile, the Malaria Consortium has called for increased media engagement and improved community sensitisation to address key challenges affecting the uptake of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in the FCT.

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The appeal was made during a media parley held in Abuja on Thursday, which brought together media practitioners, health professionals and key stakeholders involved in malaria prevention.

The parley, organised by FCT Malaria Elimination Programme (FCT-MEP) with support from Malaria Consortium to enhance media understanding and accurate reporting of the SMC campaign, highlighted persistent barriers including misinformation, poor health-seeking behaviour, community fatigue and inconsistent adherence to implementation guidelines.

The media parley was also aimed at raising awareness about the campaign, strengthening partnerships with media houses, and encouraging the dissemination of accurate information to counter misinformation.

The FCT State Program Manager (SPM) at Malaria Consortium, Dr. Olutomi Sodipo, said the Philanthropic Funding (PF)-SMC project was introduced in the FCT in 2022, and is implemented by Malaria Consortium and delivered in partnership with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) as well as other partners.

Sodipo, who emphasised that malaria remains a top public health threat, but with joint efforts, communities can protect their children and make elimination a reality, however, noted that the SMC has recorded significant gains with the support of over 10,000 personnel.

Sodipo noted that the project has been implemented across the six Area Councils in the FCT through a door-to-door strategy with children aged three to 59 months receiving monthly doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine and Amodiaquine during the June to October peak malaria transmission season.

August 2, 2025
FCTA to screen food handlers for hepatitis – Wike

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has approved the appointment of Prince Olagoke Owoyomi as the new Obajio of Ife.

This is contained in a statement signed by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director, Media and Public Affairs of the Ooni’s Palace, on Wednesday in Ile-Ife.

Ooni said the selection followed a screening process involving three eligible princes from the Alayo and Bamidein ruling houses.

The traditional ruler explained that Prince Owoyomi, a farmer and businessman from the Alayo ruling house in Moore, Ile-Ife, was picked after a “rigorous process.”

He said the Ooni-in-Council had set up a five-man committee to screen the three contenders.

According to him, other contenders are Prince Olagbenga Owoyomi and Prince Kola Ogunrinola of the Bamidein ruling house.

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“This appointment is in recognition of your integrity, dedication to the values of our heritage, and proven commitment to the service of the Ife kingdom.

“As the Ejio of Ife, you are expected to uphold the dignity of the title, serve with loyalty, wisdom, and humility, and contribute the unity, peace, and progress of Ile-Ife and her people.

“Your installation and formal presentation shall be communicated I’m due course in accordance with palace protocols and customary rites,” the appointment letter, personally signed by the Ooni, reads.

(NAN)

July 31, 2025