Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of appointing Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) solely to advance his political agenda in Nigeria’s South-South region.

In a pointed critique made during a recent interview, Lamido alleged that Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, was strategically placed in Tinubu’s cabinet to help secure political influence in key South-South states ahead of future elections.

“Tinubu was looking for someone who will help him in his political interest,” Lamido said. “The whole appointment of Wike was to make sure Tinubu secures the South-South.”

Lamido claimed that Wike’s influence in Rivers State, along with Tinubu’s growing foothold in Akwa Ibom and Edo states, is part of a calculated political strategy.

“So far, he has been able to get Akwa Ibom and Edo states. Wike already has Rivers State,” he stated.

However, Lamido warned that Wike’s role is temporary and conditional. “By the time Tinubu is able to secure the South-South in his own basket, Wike will become irrelevant, and he will remove him. He appointed Wike for a purpose, gave him an office for a purpose; by the time the purpose is no more, that’s the end of it.”

The presidency has not officially responded to Lamido’s remarks, but the comments are likely to fuel ongoing speculation about internal alliances and rivalries within Tinubu’s administration.

Wike, known for his strong political base and outspoken nature, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.

Lamido’s statement adds to the growing discourse around the political dynamics of Tinubu’s cabinet appointments and the strategic considerations behind them, especially as Nigeria gears up for the next election cycle.