By Obinna Uballa
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, is reportedly considering resigning from the cabinet of Bola Ahmed Tinubu following a new directive requiring politically ambitious appointees to step down.
Tinubu had, on March 17, directed all political appointees in his administration with plans to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 30. The order affects ministers, ministers of state, aides, and heads of federal agencies.
A source aligned with Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State governor, told an online newspaper, Reliant, that Wike is currently in a dilemma over his political future, with growing indications he may pursue a senatorial seat in 2027.
According to the source, the former Rivers State governor is weighing his options as he seeks to maintain political relevance beyond the current administration.
“He is contemplating a move to the Senate to remain politically active after 2027. He is also uncertain about his place in a potential second term of President Tinubu and how their relationship may evolve after the elections,” the source said.
The insider added that Wike’s concerns extend beyond his personal ambitions to the political future of his loyalists, particularly those eyeing the Rivers State governorship in 2027.
Among those reportedly being considered as successors to Fubara are key figures currently holding federal appointments. They include Alabo Boma Iyaye of the Niger Delta Development Commission; Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo of the Border Communities Development Agency; Senator Magnus Abe, who serves with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the National Agency for the Great Green Wall; and Ojukaye Flag-Amachree of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The directive from the presidency means that any of the aspirants must also resign their positions to remain eligible for the 2027 race.
Wike, a central figure in Rivers State politics, is said to be carefully assessing the implications of the directive as he navigates both his own ambitions and those of his political allies ahead of the next election cycle.
