The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has raised alarm over what it described as the “increasingly authoritarian and destabilising behaviour” of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, warning that his actions could endanger Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr Tunji O. Bamidele, the group alleged that Wike’s conduct amounts to “a calculated assault on democratic institutions and political stability.”
Dr Bamidele stated, “Nyesom Wike, once a mere creek boy during the turbulent years 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.”
He said the Minister’s recent actions suggest “a deliberate effort to consolidate power and silence dissent,” citing incidents of alleged interference in political parties and conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to DWI, Wike has embarked on “a relentless campaign of destabilisation” across several political organisations, including the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress. The group accused him of using intimidation and division to weaken the PDP’s leadership structure.
Dr Bamidele recalled that Wike’s tenure as Rivers State Governor was “marked by egregious violations of democratic norms,” including the alleged use of force against opponents. He referenced a recent incident in which Wike was accused of ordering the teargassing of the Rivers State House of 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.
The group also accused the Minister of employing security operatives and political thugs to disrupt internal party meetings. “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, he handed the keys to four handpicked loyalists, sidelining legitimate party leadership,” Bamidele alleged.
He noted that such actions “not only damage the PDP’s internal integrity but also threaten the very essence of democracy in Nigeria.”
The organisation further pointed to Wike’s public fallout with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as evidence of what it called “a pattern of political destabilisation for personal gain.”
According to DWI, Wike’s involvement in the failed impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara demonstrates “a willingness to manipulate state institutions to achieve political control.” The group claimed that “reports suggest Wike seeks to control the state’s financial resources, allegedly linking funds to projects that benefit his allies.”
Dr Bamidele said the crisis in Rivers State only eased after President Bola Tinubu intervened, a move that saw the temporary suspension of key political actors. He described the intervention as “proof of the far-reaching consequences of Wike’s actions.”
He also alleged that the Minister has “revived the same tactics” in the Federal Capital Territory, using “corrupt judicial elements and security operatives 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 members of the National Working Committee, shows the extent of his determination to dominate political structures.”
DWI warned that such conduct goes beyond internal party politics and threatens national stability. “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,” it said.
The organisation urged President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to “act decisively in checking Wike’s excesses,” warning that “allowing his destructive behaviour to continue unchecked will not only destabilise the political process but also set a dangerous precedent for political conduct across Nigeria.”
DWI further called on the international community, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to monitor developments in Nigeria and “hold accountable those who actively undermine democracy.”
“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 defending the soul of our nation.”
