Did Wike Admit Using the Judiciary for APC’s Political Battles? Why the FCT Minister Says He Helped Kill Osun’s LG Funds Case—and What It Means for Democracy in Nigeria

Nigeria’s political space was thrown into controversy after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, openly claimed that he helped influential figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) use the judiciary to frustrate the Osun State local government funds lawsuit. Speaking in a video circulating online, Wike boasted that the court actions that led to the withholding of Osun’s local government allocations were not accidental but carefully engineered by powerful political actors working behind the scenes.

Addressing a crowd in Port Harcourt, the former Rivers State governor accused APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of enjoying the political benefits of judicial decisions against the Osun State Government without acknowledging those who made them possible. According to Wike, the lawsuit—widely viewed as targeting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration—was part of a broader political strategy rather than a purely legal process.

Wike warned APC leaders against what he described as ingratitude, insisting that their current advantage in Osun was the result of unseen political manoeuvres. “Today, you are enjoying in Osun. You don’t know those who did the work,” he said, cautioning party leaders not to “take our support for Mr President for granted.” His remarks appeared to be a direct response to Basiru’s criticism of his involvement in Rivers State politics.

The political clash follows Basiru’s demand that Wike resign as FCT minister, arguing that he is not a member of the APC and therefore has no standing to interfere in the party’s internal affairs. Basiru maintained that his comments were aimed at defending party structure and respecting sitting governors, adding that Wike’s response was inappropriate for a member of the Federal Executive Council.

The controversy also reopens debate surrounding the Supreme Court’s December 2025 ruling on the Osun local government funds dispute. While the Court faulted the Federal Government for withholding funds, it also ruled that the Osun Attorney General lacked the authority to sue on behalf of the local councils without proper authorisation. A minority judgment, however, criticised the Federal Government’s action as harmful to local governance.

Wike’s admission has triggered intense reactions across political and civil society circles, raising troubling questions about judicial independence, political influence over court processes, and the weaponisation of legal institutions for partisan gain. If court outcomes can be “worked out” through political connections, critics ask, what does this mean for democracy, federalism, and the rule of law in Nigeria?

As tensions escalate between Wike and APC leadership, the episode underscores a deeper struggle over power, loyalty, and accountability within Nigeria’s political system—one that could reshape party alliances, governance in Osun and Rivers States, and public trust in the judiciary.

We Are Keeping Our Eyes on INEC’ — Kwankwaso Warns as NNPP Holds National Convention, Prepares for 2027 Elections in Abuja

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that his party will closely monitor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the NNPP national convention in Abuja shortly after newly re-elected party executives were sworn in, Kwankwaso stressed that INEC’s role is critical to the survival of democracy in Nigeria. He congratulated the commission on the appointment of its new chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, noting that public confidence in the electoral process depends largely on the conduct of the electoral umpire. Kwankwaso assured party members that NNPP leadership would continue strengthening the party nationwide, as the convention ratified key NEC decisions and elected members of the National Working Committee, signalling the party’s determination to build on its breakout performance in the 2023 elections ahead of 2027.

Personality, Not Party, Will Decide 2027 Elections – Prof Ahmad

Professor Ahmad has said that the 2027 general elections will not be decided by party loyalty but by the strength of individual personalities.

On the State of the PDP

Speaking on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he emphasized that the party remains strong despite past setbacks:

“We are still in PDP. We are not planning to leave. The party may rise and fall, but right now PDP is rising. We are preparing for our convention in Ibadan, and we will move forward.”

When asked about governors who left the party, Ahmad insisted:

“Governors don’t make parties; parties make governors. People make parties, not individuals.”

On Court Cases After Elections

Addressing concerns that the PDP failed to challenge election results in 2019 and 2023, he clarified that the party did, in fact, go to court:

“In 2023, several local governments, including mine, went to court. I personally went to court. Anyone claiming PDP didn’t go to court is not telling the truth.”

He recalled irregularities during collation in his local government, saying results were altered but not announced at the collation center because officials feared public backlash.

On Bukola Saraki and APC Rumors

Responding to claims that former Senate President Bukola Saraki was aligning with the APC, Ahmad dismissed the reports:

“These are fantastic lies. Saraki has invested his time and energy in rebuilding PDP. If he had anything to do with Tinubu or APC, PDP would have collapsed by now. The ADC narrative was just a flash in the pan.”


He added that PDP remains open to reconciliation with other groups:

“PDP has a large heart. Our friends in ADC or elsewhere are welcome. Let’s work together to rescue this state and the country from APC.”


On 2027 Elections

Ahmad predicted that Nigerians will prioritize individual credibility over party lines in 2027:

“People will look at candidates and say, ‘You are good, but not in my party, yet I will vote for you.’ Or, ‘You are in my party, but you are not good, so I won’t vote for you.’ Party loyalty will not decide 2027—it will be about personality.”


On Electoral Reforms and Tinubu’s Legacy

Ahmad stressed the need for credible elections to restore faith in democracy. He urged President Tinubu to enshrine Immediate Result Electronic Filing (IREF) into the constitution:

“From the polling unit, results should be uploaded directly to INEC’s portal. That alone will stop manipulation. Forget long lists of amendments—just constitutionalize IREF, and Nigeria’s democracy will change forever.”


He warned that without credible elections, democracy in Nigeria would continue to lose respect internationally.

“If President Tinubu truly loves Nigeria, he should deliver electoral reforms. That will be his lasting legacy.”