Tinubu Mulls Dropping Wike as Lagos APC Elders Urge Alignment with Fubara

By The Bureau News Political Desk

Fresh political tremors are shaking the Federal Capital Territory as multiple sources confirm that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is under mounting pressure from Lagos APC elders and inner-circle loyalists to reconsider his alliance with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

According to multiple insider accounts obtained by The Bureau News, senior figures within the Lagos APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC) have urged the president to politically realign with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, citing Wike’s “increasingly toxic image” and confrontational public style as liabilities to the administration.

Wike’s absence from Thursday’s National Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa — where former Nigerian leaders, governors, and ex-Chief Justices were present — further fuelled speculation about his fading influence in Tinubu’s inner circle. He was represented by Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the FCT.

A senior aide familiar with the matter revealed that “the president’s men are worried that Wike’s frequent outbursts during his monthly media briefings are now doing more harm than good.”

“Wike has delivered visible infrastructure in Abuja, and the president acknowledges that,” the aide said. “But his tone and style have become liabilities — it’s negative publicity the administration no longer wants.”

Sources say key members of the Lagos political establishment — many of whom helped Tinubu consolidate power during his early years — have warned that Wike’s brand of politics could erode goodwill in the South-South, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.

One respected elder, aged 88 and described as “a long-time confidant” of Tinubu, reportedly told him during a private meeting in Lagos that “it is time to do away with Wike.” He is said to have advised the president to instead strengthen relations with Governor Fubara, commending Fubara’s “calmness, patience, and restraint even in the face of provocation.”

“The elders reminded the president that Fubara remained loyal during his suspension and didn’t rock the boat,” another presidency insider told The Bureau News. “They warned that alienating an Ijaw leader like Fubara could send dangerous signals to the Niger Delta.”

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila is reportedly among those resisting calls to drop Wike, arguing that his influence remains useful for federal projects and political negotiation. However, Tinubu is said to be giving serious thought to the elders’ advice.

Presidency officials confirmed that the president has commissioned a ministerial performance review on the FCT Ministry and ordered a discreet inquiry into multiple petitions alleging financial irregularities and abuse of office by Wike.

“The long-term plan,” one insider said, “is to ease Wike out by the president’s third anniversary in office next year, under the pretext of a cabinet reshuffle or ministerial re-evaluation.”

Political analysts say the move, if executed, could mark a major realignment in Tinubu’s power bloc and reshape federal dynamics ahead of 2027.

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