By Asukwo Mendie Archibong Esq.
The only “masterstroke” Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made as president of Nigeria, according to lawyer and commentator A.M. Archibong, was the appointment of Nyesom Wike as minister of the Federal Capital Territory, with the writer also crediting Tinubu with helping facilitate the emergence of Godswill Akpabio as Senate president.
Archibong argues that Wike’s appointment stands out because of the minister’s visible focus on infrastructure and urban development in Abuja. He contends that Wike’s performance could influence how some voters assess Tinubu’s administration ahead of Nigeria’s next general election.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers state, became FCT minister in August 2023 after Tinubu formed his first cabinet. His appointment was notable because he had been a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party while Tinubu contested the presidency under the All Progressives Congress.
The writer contrasts Wike’s tenure with those of previous FCT ministers, arguing that Abuja had suffered from inadequate development under successive administrations. The article credits Wike with an aggressive approach to road construction, urban renewal and other infrastructure projects.
Archibong presents this as a political dilemma for voters who may oppose Tinubu but approve of Wike’s record in Abuja. The writer argues that removing Tinubu could also mean losing what he describes as the administration’s most effective cabinet performer.
The commentary further proposes that Wike could serve in another federal portfolio after Tinubu’s tenure, suggesting the defense or internal security ministries as possible options. Archibong argues that Wike’s forceful administrative style could produce a significant impact in tackling insecurity, including kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The article also turns its attention to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, criticizing what Archibong describes as a lack of impact in Akwa Ibom state. The writer references Obi’s family connections to the state while questioning why residents should support him based on those ties.
Archibong’s argument reflects the wider political debate surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 presidential contest, in which questions of regional representation, governance, performance and political alliances are expected to remain central.
The writer also looks beyond the next election, suggesting that Wike should consider seeking the presidency after Tinubu. Archibong argues that Nigeria should prioritize competence and leadership capacity rather than whether a candidate comes from the North or South.
The commentary concludes with a question about a court file involving Tinubu that the president allegedly wants kept from public view. The claim is presented by Archibong as a point of concern, although the commentary does not provide details establishing what the file contains or why it is allegedly being withheld.
Overall, the piece is an opinion commentary rather than an independent assessment of the Tinubu administration or Wike’s performance. Its central argument is that Wike’s visibility in Abuja could become an important factor in how some Nigerians evaluate Tinubu’s presidency and the political choices ahead.
