… Insisits nobody can suspend him from PDP
… Defends cross-party cooperation for Nigeria’s progress
…Points finger at Bode George over land rent defaults
… Accuses Lagos PDP elders of electoral failures since 1999
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that his loyalty lies with President Bola Tinubu and not partisan politics, as he confronted critics within his own Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Wike dismissed calls questioning his allegiance, asserting that his focus is on supporting Nigeria’s progress under the current administration, even if it means cooperating across party lines.
He emphasised his unwavering commitment to the PDP, the party he said he labored to build, and insisted that no one can force him out. “Nobody nobody, can tell me I don’t belong here,” Wike declared.
… Defends cross-party cooperation for Nigeria’s progress
Amid accusations from some PDP members over his cooperation with the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Wike clarified that his loyalty lies first and foremost with President Bola Tinubu, under whose administration he serves as FCT Minister.
“The only person I put at the top is Mr. President. I’m doing what I’m doing to support the government and make a difference,” he said.
Wike stressed that his participation in the Tinubu administration should not be interpreted as a betrayal of PDP, but rather a pragmatic effort to advance Nigeria’s national interest beyond partisan lines.
… Wike points finger at Bode George over land rent defaults
Wike’s controversial decision to revoke the land titles of about 5,000 properties in Abuja, including the PDP Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, was a key topic during his media interaction.
He defended the move, revealing that the properties were cited for up to ten years of non-payment of ground rent.
Directly naming PDP elder statesman Bode George, Wike said, “Bode George is number 3092. That land was published non-payment for up to ten years. At that level, single citizen. At that level.”
The minister portrayed this action as a necessary step toward enforcing accountability, regardless of the individual’s status or party affiliation.
… Accuses Lagos PDP elders of electoral failures since 1999
Turning his focus to party elders in Lagos State, Wike condemned their lack of electoral success, saying, “Look at Lagos since 1999 not one House of Assembly, not one House of Reps, not one Senate seat. And you say PDP made you? No, you make the party popular by what you do.”
This pointed criticism said the growing divide between Wike and some senior members within the PDP, underscoring what he views as complacency and underperformance.
Wike did not hold back in addressing what he described as destructive behaviors within Nigeria’s political elite. “Simply because we worship in the same church or mosque, you expect to get away with anything? No. That’s the attitude that has killed this country,” he said.
He warned against the culture of entitlement and impunity that he believes is strangling Nigeria’s progress and weakening political institutions.
‘I take joy stepping on toes of big men’ — Wike on political resistance
Wike admitted to relishing the challenge of confronting powerful political figures. “I take joy when I step on the toes of big men… Those who say nothing will happen, I say something will happen. And it will,” he said.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the ongoing feud between Wike and Bode George escalated as George publicly criticized the minister’s move to shut down the PDP Secretariat over a ₦7 million ground rent arrears. George lamented the timing and manner of the closure, calling on Wike to personally pay the rent.
“‘What is ₦7 million? He should have just said to them, ‘Okay, ₦7 million, I’ll pay from my pocket. Take the receipt back to the party’s secretariat.’ You see, you people are foolish,” George said.
Despite their differences, George still referred to Wike as his “political son,” highlighting the complex nature of their relationship.
Reiterating his stance on accountability, Wike urged his party colleagues to abandon entitlement and impunity.
“Simply because we worship in the same church or mosque, you expect to get away with anything? No. That’s the attitude that has killed this country,” he said.
Wike framed his actions as part of a broader mission to reform political culture and ensure all members are held to the same standard.
Wike defends land reform as necessary and non-negotiable
Despite the current conflict, Bode George acknowledged Wike’s political pedigree, calling him his “political son” and recounting his rise through PDP ranks from local government chairman to governor and federal minister.
Wike questioned the relevance of senior PDP members, demanding accountability. “Who is that? What is his contribution to the party more than me?” he asked, pressing elders to justify their positions with tangible results.
Recall that the closure of the PDP Secretariat by Wike, perceived by many as a punitive move, exposed deep fissures within the party.