Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu is the only person with the authority to question him over his political activities, as he defended his involvement in the Rainbow Coalition.
Wike made the statement on Tuesday night during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time, while responding to opposition from the Progressive Governors Forum over the political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Rivers State governor also criticised some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of concentrating on political activities in Abuja rather than building stronger support structures in their respective states.
According to Wike, politics is primarily local, arguing that political leaders should maintain close contact with their constituents and address disagreements within their states rather than attributing electoral challenges to others.
“The only person that can question me is the President,” Wike said.
He maintained that political influence does not necessarily depend on holding an executive position, saying leaders who understand their people can still mobilise support.
“I can convince my people even though I am not the governor,” he said.
Wike further criticised what he described as poor leadership among some politicians, alleging that many spend extended periods in Abuja while having limited contact with the people they represent.
“People just sit down in Abuja for two months, go home, spend two days and come back to Abuja. That’s not service to the nation at all. That’s not service to the state,” he said.
The FCT minister added that effective leadership requires persuading people to work together for the development of their states rather than prioritising personal political interests.
His comments followed the position of the Progressive Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, against political alliances that the governors believe could undermine President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
