The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has expressed concern over what it called the “increasingly authoritarian and destabilizing actions” of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, warning that his conduct could endanger Nigeria’s democratic system.
In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr. Tunji O. Bamidele, the organization said it felt “compelled to address the alarming actions of Wike,” whom it accused of steadily eroding democratic institutions and political parties nationwide.
Bamidele stated, “Nyesom Wike, once a mere creek boy during the turbulent times when patriotic citizens fought valiantly for democracy, now finds himself in a position of power where he is wielding that power to undermine the very principles he once benefited from. His actions are not merely misguided; they represent a calculated assault on the democratic fabric of our nation.”
According to the group, the FCT Minister has in recent months embarked on “a relentless campaign” targeting political parties, spreading division within organizations such as the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress. It further accused him of attempting to destabilize the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the move as a deliberate ploy to “consolidate power and silence dissent.”
“The chaos is not a byproduct of political rivalry; it is a deliberate strategy aimed at consolidating power and silencing dissent,” Bamidele said, recalling Wike’s record in Rivers State, which he claimed was “marked by egregious violations of democratic norms.”
The statement referenced a recent incident in which Wike allegedly ordered the teargassing of the Rivers State Assembly, describing it as “a shocking and brutal display of authoritarianism.”
“The use of tear gas against elected representatives is not merely an act of aggression; it is a chilling signal that dissent will not be tolerated, and that the sanctity of political discourse is under siege,” he added.
Bamidele further accused the minister of using “tactics of division and intimidation” to advance personal interests rather than democratic governance.
“Moreover, just days ago, Wike employed thugs and the police to violently disperse delegates at the PDP secretariat, causing considerable damage and sealing the premises. In a brazen act of political thuggery, he handed the keys to four handpicked loyalists, effectively sidelining legitimate party leadership,” he alleged.
According to the DWI spokesperson, such actions not only damage the PDP’s internal integrity but also “threaten the very essence of democracy in Nigeria.”
He also cited Wike’s public fallout with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as further evidence of political destabilization.
“Wike’s open opposition to Governor Fubara’s administration further illustrates his willingness to destabilize political structures for personal gain,” Bamidele said. “He publicly announced his withdrawal of support for Fubara, citing accusations of dishonesty and dissatisfaction with the governor’s approach to governance.”
Bamidele noted that Wike’s alleged involvement in the Rivers Assembly’s failed impeachment attempt against Fubara showed “a man willing to leverage political institutions for his own ends,” adding that “reports suggest that Wike seeks to control the state’s financial resources, allegedly linking funds to projects that benefit his allies.”
He recalled that the crisis escalated until President Bola Tinubu intervened, leading to the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers for six months—an action the group said underscored “the severity of Wike’s actions.”
The statement also accused the minister of “reviving these same tactics” in his current role at the FCT, alleging he now “employs thugs and leverages corrupt judicial elements, including certain judges and the FCT Police Commissioner, to further his agenda.”
According to the group, “The recent turmoil within the PDP, particularly the faction aligned with Wike that suspended Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and other National Working Committee members, exemplifies how far he is willing to go to maintain control.”
DWI warned that the implications of Wike’s alleged actions extend beyond partisan politics, saying, “The systematic dismantling of political opposition not only curtails free expression but also undermines the electorate’s right to choose their representatives without fear or coercion.”
The organization called on President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “act decisively in checking Wike’s excesses,” adding that “allowing Wike’s destructive behavior to continue unchecked will not only destabilize the political process but also set a dangerous precedent for political conduct across Nigeria.”
The statement concluded with an appeal to the international community — including the United States and the United Kingdom — to “monitor and hold accountable those who actively undermine democracy in Nigeria.
“The actions of Nyesom Wike represent not just a threat to the PDP, but a broader assault on democracy itself,” the group warned. “We call upon all stakeholders—political parties, civil society, the media, and the international community—to join us in this fight for the soul of our nation.”
