A Niger Delta advocacy group has formally requested President Bola Tinubu to redeploy the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to the Ministry of Niger Delta.
The Ijaw National Congress (West Africa Chapter) made the demand in a pre-action letter dated January 6, 2026, and publicized on Wednesday. Signed by its Chairman, Rev. Dr. Perry Aperela, the group argues that Wike’s frequent weekend travel from Abuja to Rivers State for political campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections justifies the move.
The letter states that redeploying Wike would “align his ministerial responsibilities with his political activities and regional proximity,” allowing him to be closer to his primary political base.
This request follows a period of heightened political activity by Wike in Rivers State, where he has declared support for President Tinubu amidst an ongoing feud with the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The minister’s intense involvement in Rivers politics recently prompted the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to advise him to resign his ministerial post. Wike responded by warning Basiru to stay out of Rivers State affairs.
