A coalition of civil society organisations has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard what it described as divisive comments attributed to the National Scribe of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bashiru Ajibola, over the political relevance of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike.
The coalition, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice, said the remarks were ill-timed and capable of weakening internal cohesion within the ruling party as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to take shape.
The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Comrade James Okoronkwo, Dr Chinemerem Iwuanyanwu, Comrade Aisha Mohammed, Barrister Samuel Eze, and Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, on behalf of member organisations of the coalition.
According to the statement, Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister has been marked by visible and measurable infrastructural development across the Federal Capital Territory, including extensive road construction and rehabilitation, renewed attention to public housing, urban renewal initiatives, and the restoration of administrative order in key districts of Abuja.
The coalition noted that the pace and scale of project delivery under Wike’s leadership have significantly transformed the outlook of the nation’s capital, enhancing public confidence in governance and service delivery.
Beyond infrastructure, the CSOs said Wike’s deep grassroots network in Rivers State and his growing political influence within the FCT remain strategic assets in President Tinubu’s re-election considerations.
The group also drew attention to governance developments in Rivers State, arguing that the current administration has struggled to replicate the level of cohesion, momentum, and visible impact associated with Wike’s leadership.
While cautioning against internal party disagreements, the coalition urged President Tinubu to prioritise performance, competence, and national interest over internal dissent.
“The President should remain focused on proven performers who have demonstrated capacity, loyalty, and broad-based public appeal,” the statement said, adding that internal party distractions should not derail governance or electoral strategy.
The coalition concluded by stressing that as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, unity, results-driven leadership, and strategic political alliances will be crucial to sustaining the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
