Wike: Tinubu Is in Charge, No Cabal in This Government

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims of any cabal influencing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating firmly that the president is fully in control of his government.

Speaking on Thursday during the 2025 OAU Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Wike said:

“Under Tinubu, there is nothing like cabal. This is a president that is in charge.”

Referencing Chinua Achebe’s famous statement from The Trouble with Nigeria—that the root of Nigeria’s problems lies in failed leadership—Wike echoed the sentiment but said Tinubu represents a new kind of leader with a genuine commitment to national progress.

He praised Tinubu’s track record, particularly highlighting his achievements in Lagos State, and described him as:

“A leader the people need to drive Nigeria to progress and prosperity.”

Wike credited Tinubu with advancing democracy in Nigeria and “putting his life on the line” in the struggle against authoritarianism. He further emphasized that Tinubu has demonstrated a strong developmental vision and leadership capacity.

The FCT Minister acknowledged Nigeria’s decades of underperformance and societal divisions but insisted that with the right governance framework, the country could still reclaim its greatness.

“The leader of Nigerians’ dream must create a society of free and responsible citizens whose potentials flow freely and free enterprise thrives,” he said.

The event was graced by several notable figures including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi (who served as Royal Father of the Day); Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; former Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom.