Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Adamu-Aliyu, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will treat Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as an opposition figure.

Aliyu’s position comes amid tensions over Wike’s political activities and his recent criticism of APC governors ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Situation Snapshot

• Aliyu said Wike is not a member of the APC and should therefore be treated as an opposition member.
• He acknowledged Wike’s role in weakening the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 presidential election.
• Aliyu said Wike’s support for President Bola Tinubu should not give him influence over the internal affairs of the APC.
• He criticised what he described as Wike’s confrontational approach and comments about APC leaders.
• Aliyu said political disagreements involving Wike and APC leaders should be handled through dialogue.

Key Players

Nyesom Wike

Wike is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and is at the centre of the disagreement reported in the article.

Farouk Adamu-Aliyu

Adamu-Aliyu, a former House Minority Leader, made the comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

APC Governors

The APC governors’ position on political alliances forms part of the disagreement involving Wike.

Bola Tinubu

The President’s 2027 re-election bid is part of the political context surrounding the discussion.

What Happened?

Adamu-Aliyu spoke on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed Wike’s political activities and his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former lawmaker said the APC appreciated Wike’s role in weakening the PDP during the 2023 presidential election.

However, he drew a distinction between supporting Tinubu and having influence over the internal affairs of the APC.

According to Aliyu, Wike remains a member of the opposition PDP and should not be allowed to determine the direction of the ruling party.

His comments followed Wike’s criticism of APC governors, whom the FCT minister reportedly described as “politically lazy.”

The criticism came after a communique from the Progressives Governors’ Forum stated that APC governors rejected alliances that could threaten the re-election bid of Tinubu and other candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Stakeholder Positions

Wike’s criticism of the APC governors forms one side of the disagreement.

The APC governors, according to the communique cited in the article, opposed alliances that could threaten the electoral interests of Tinubu and other candidates ahead of 2027.

Aliyu, meanwhile, argued that Wike’s support for Tinubu did not make him a member of the APC or give him authority to influence the party’s internal affairs.

He said the APC would continue to appreciate Wike’s contribution but would not allow him to use the party for his own political objectives.

Background

Aliyu’s comments also referred to Wike’s role during the 2023 presidential election.

The former minority leader said Wike’s position at that time was different because he was operating within the PDP structure.

He acknowledged what he described as Wike’s contribution to weakening the PDP but said the current situation was different because Wike was supporting Tinubu while remaining outside the APC.

Aliyu said the APC had no regrets about Wike’s inclusion in the Tinubu administration but expressed concern about the minister’s political approach.

He described Wike’s influence as something that could become “an albatross” if it was not properly managed.

Aliyu’s Warning To Wike

Aliyu said the APC would not allow Wike to use the party to build another political platform.

He said:

“Look, Wike is not a member of our party. So we will treat him as a member of the opposition.”

Aliyu added that the APC appreciated Wike’s contribution to the party’s political fortunes but insisted that this did not give him control over the party.

“We appreciate everything Wike has done for us. In fact, anybody who is willing to destroy his party for us, we will welcome him. But we will not allow him to use our party to build his own party.”

The former lawmaker also criticised Wike’s manner of addressing political opponents and party leaders.

Political Implications

The disagreement highlights a broader question about the relationship between politicians who support a presidential candidate and the political party to which that candidate belongs.

Aliyu’s comments indicate that he views Wike’s support for Tinubu separately from membership of the APC and participation in its internal affairs.

The dispute also comes as political actors position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, making questions about alliances and party influence more prominent.

However, the article establishes Aliyu’s position and the other statements reported in connection with the dispute. It does not establish Wike’s private political intentions.

Strategic Assessment

Aliyu’s comments suggest that the APC wants to maintain a distinction between Wike’s support for President Tinubu and the authority of the APC as a political organisation.

He also argued that political disagreements should be resolved internally rather than through public exchanges.

Aliyu said that, if he were president, he would encourage Wike and APC leaders to work together through dialogue.

He explained that Wike had contributed to the party’s political interests and could continue to work with it, but said Wike would also have to recognise the authority of the APC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nyesom Wike a member of the APC?

The article states Aliyu’s position that Wike is not a member of the APC and should therefore be treated as a member of the opposition.

Why did Aliyu say Wike should be treated as an opposition member?

Aliyu argued that Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not make him an APC member or give him authority over the ruling party’s internal affairs.

What did Wike say about APC governors?

The article reports that Wike described APC governors as “politically lazy.”

What did APC governors say about political alliances?

According to the communique cited in the article, the APC governors rejected alliances that could threaten the re-election bid of President Tinubu and other candidates in 2027.

Does Aliyu regret Wike’s involvement in the Tinubu administration?

No. Aliyu said the APC had no regrets about Wike’s inclusion in the administration, although he expressed concern about his political approach.

What solution did Aliyu suggest for the disagreement?

Aliyu said disagreements should be handled internally and suggested dialogue between Wike and APC leaders.

Neutral Conclusion

Aliyu has made clear that, in his view, Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not give him a role in determining the direction of the APC.

He also acknowledged Wike’s past contribution to the APC’s political interests while insisting that the ruling party should retain control over its internal affairs.

The disagreement therefore remains centred on Wike’s political relationship with the APC, his criticism of its governors and the boundaries Aliyu says should apply to his involvement with the ruling party.