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.

Kwankwaso Declares Readiness for Alliances, Open to Presidential or Vice Presidential Run Ahead of 2027 Election

Former Kano State Governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has stated he is ready to contest in the 2027 elections either as President or Vice President, depending on agreements with trusted allies. Speaking in Kano State, Kwankwaso emphasized prioritizing alignment with like-minded partners over personal ambition and highlighted the importance of grassroots mobilization in his political strategy.

He noted that multiple options are being considered to avoid accusations of secret deals, stressing that past election disputes, especially from 2023, are being addressed at the community level. Kwankwaso also criticized empty political promises, particularly those targeting youth support, and reaffirmed that his political approach is guided by resilience, dignity, and strength.

Kwankwaso’s remarks also recalled prior attempts at alliances, such as with Peter Obi’s Labour Party in 2023, which failed over disagreements about the presidential candidacy. Discussions for future alliances remain ongoing within the NNPP and potentially with other parties.



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The Central African Republic (CAR) is caught between two Russian mercenary forces — the long-established Wagner Group and the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps.

Russia’s Defense Ministry wants CAR to replace Wagner with Africa Corps and pay for its services, but Bangui says it cannot afford it, offering gold, uranium, and iron instead. CAR officials prefer Wagner, praising its combat effectiveness and loyalty to President Faustin Archange Touadéra, despite its record of human rights abuses.

The Africa Corps, made up of Russian soldiers and ex-Wagner fighters, focuses more on training and resource deals than combat. Analysts say the Kremlin’s push reflects a broader geopolitical strategy to expand influence in Africa amid the Ukraine war, using low-cost operations to gain access to minerals and political leverage.

However, CAR’s resistance could strain ties with Moscow. The situation underscores a wider issue across Africa — governments relying on foreign forces for stability at the expense of national sovereignty.
APF

No Asiwaju Cap, No Exco’ – Edo APC Move To Suspend Commissioners Over Loyalty To Tinubu.

The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has issued a stern warning that any commissioner who flouts Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to wear the ‘Asiwaju cap’ to State Executive Council meetings will face suspension from the party.

Governor Okpebholo had, on October 14, while swearing in newly cleared commissioners and inaugurating boards and commissions, directed all cabinet members to demonstrate loyalty to President Bola Tinubu by appearing in branded party outfits, including the symbolic ‘Asiwaju cap’.

Addressing reporters on the matter, Tenebe described disobedience to the governor’s order as a serious act of defiance against party authority and discipline.

“If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination,” he said firmly.

The APC chairman maintained that the governor’s instruction was not optional but a clear demonstration of loyalty to both the party and its leader, President Tinubu.

Edo APC’s 3.5 Million Votes Pledge
Tenebe linked the cap directive to a broader political strategy by the state chapter of the APC to guarantee massive electoral support for President Tinubu.

“We are doing this because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu. Everybody has keyed into achieving that target,” he declared.

According to him, party loyalty cannot be compromised, particularly for those who benefited from appointments through the APC.

Clemency: You’ve brought shame, scrap NDLEA, EFCC, ICPC – APC chieftain to Tinubu.

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called for the scrapping of some federal government agencies.

The agencies include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

According Eze, these agencies have Iost their flavours to political Interferences, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s presidential pardon of drug barons have further erodes public confidence in statutory Institutions.

The APC chieftain said as long as he remains a member of the ruling party it must be said categorically that Tinubu, by his action, has brought shame and reproach to the party.

Eze believes that no reasonable person would vote for the APC again as the President has made it unelectable in any election in this country.

Eze said that APC’s return to power in 2027 would mean that Nigerians approve of a regime that legitimizes illegality as a political strategy to sustain its odious reign beyond 2027.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Information and Strategy last week, said in a statement that out of the 175 beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon, 41 illegal miners, 28 drug traffickers and 22 murderers topped the list.

Notable among the 175 beneficiaries are Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists; Farouk Lawan, a former member of the house of representatives; Mamman Vatsa, a major general and poet executed in 1986 over alleged treason; and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband in 2017.

Kenneth Okonkwo: Peter Obi’s One-Term Presidency Promise Is “Pure Political Strategy”

Veteran Nollywood actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has claimed that the single-term presidency proposal of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is nothing more than a strategy to win over Northern voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo argued that Obi adopted the idea after realising he could lose Northern support without such a promise.

According to him, “It was Atiku Abubakar who first said he would do only one term. Peter Obi later keyed into it because he knew if he didn’t, he would lose the North completely.”

Okonkwo added that for any opposition party to stand a chance against an incumbent, its candidate must agree to serve just one term so no region feels sidelined.

He explained that Obi’s promise is designed to assure Northerners that he wouldn’t “shortchange” them if elected, but would complete the eight-year cycle for the South with just a single four-year tenure.

My Support For 2023 Muslim-Muslim Ticket Was Political, Not Religious — El-Rufai
In the build-up to the election, the APC’s choice of President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim from the South-West, and Kashim Shettima, a Muslim from the North-East, generated mixed reactions.
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said his support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election was not motivated by religion but was a political strategy.

You Have Lost Credibility, Pause And Reflect – Lagos LP Chair Tackles Peter Obi.

The chairperson of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos, Dayo Ekong, has slammed the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, over his alleged divisive statements, urging him to “pause and reflect” as his political influence continues to decline.
Accept Outcome Of 2023 Elections That Produced Tinubu - Coalition Tells Peter Obi
In a statement on her X handle on Tuesday, Ekong said Obi’s rising profile in 2023 was not just about his personality but a combination of party structures, grassroots mobilisation and public desire for change.

However, she claimed that “grace” which carried him then is now fading because of his divisive choices and inconsistent political moves, adding that the former Anambra State Governor political missteps have made him lose credibility even in his stronghold.

The LP chairman said Obi’s endorsements have failed to deliver victories, citing recent elections as evidence of his weakening political weight.

“Back-to-back failures in Imo and Edo should raise questions about Obi’s political strategy,” she said.

Her statement titled ‘Reflections on the Labour Party’s Challenges: A Call for Peter Obi to Pause and Ponder’ read: “As the State Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State, I have watched with growing concern the internal dynamics and external perceptions plaguing our great party. The Labour Party, once a beacon of hope for the masses, is now grappling with issues that threaten its unity and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape. Chief among these is the meddlesome role and evidently waning influence of our former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. While I respect his contributions and the passion he ignited in 2023, it is time for a candid conversation. Mr. Obi must recognize the grace that propelled him in the last election cycle—a divine and collective favor from the party and the electorate—and reflect on how his recent actions are eroding that very foundation.