Wike Denies Boycotting Council of State Meeting, Says Absence Was Due to Prior Engagements

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified the reason for his absence at the recent Council of State meeting where Professor Joash Amupitan was nominated as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike explained that he was unable to attend the meeting due to earlier official engagements. He said he had instructed the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him and had also informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advance about his unavailability.

The minister dismissed reports suggesting that he deliberately stayed away because his preferred nominee for the INEC chairmanship was not selected, describing such claims as “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail.”

“Sometime last week, Thursday, we had a flag-off event. I told the Minister of State to represent me at the Council of State meeting, having already informed Mr. President that I would be unavailable due to prior engagements,” Wike stated. “We must be careful not to give in to unnecessary propaganda. They claimed I didn’t attend because my nominee was not chosen—completely false.”

His remarks followed reports by Sahara Reporters alleging that tensions between Wike and President Tinubu had deepened, prompting him to boycott the meeting and push for the nomination of Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Court of Appeal as INEC Chairman.

Wike, however, reaffirmed his loyalty to the President, insisting that his focus remains on delivering results in the FCT.

“I work for Mr. President. His commitment has always been to place this country on the right path. When you focus on results and deliver, achievements will silence your critics. Today, they have nothing more to say,” he declared.

Commending President Tinubu’s leadership, the minister attributed the progress made by the FCT Administration to the President’s vision and direction.

“I have always said that with the right leadership, great results follow. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided that leadership, and that’s why we’re achieving so much. When leadership is right, everything else falls into place,” Wike added.