Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, solely to advance his political interests in Nigeria’s South-South region and will discard him once the mission is accomplished.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Tuesday night, August 5, Lamido claimed the president’s engagement with Wike was transactional and politically expedient.
“Tinubu was looking for someone who will help him in his political interest. The whole appointment of Wike was to make sure Tinubu secures the South-South,” Lamido stated.
He argued that Tinubu’s strategy was bearing fruit, citing recent political gains in states like Akwa Ibom and Edo, with Wike already firmly rooted in Rivers State.
By the Time Tinubu is Able to Secure South-South, He Will Remove Wike -Lamido
The appointment Tinubu gave Wike was for a purpose, and by the time that purpose has been achieved, that will be the end.
Sule Lamido, PDP Chieftain pic.twitter.com/Yp2rzAtZLJ— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) August 5, 2025
Tinubu to Use and Dump Wike – Sule Lamido
According to the former governor, once Tinubu successfully consolidates control over the region, Wike’s political relevance will diminish, leading to his removal from office.
“By the time Tinubu is able to secure the South-South in his own basket, Wike will become irrelevant, and he will remove him.
“He appointed Wike for a purpose, gave him an office for a purpose; by the time the purpose is no more, that’s the end of it,” Lamido added.
Lamido’s comments are expected to spark fresh debate over the political dynamics within President Tinubu’s cabinet and the role of opposition figures within his administration.
