No Cabal in Tinubu’s Government, Says Wike at OAU Lecture

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that there is no cabal operating within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on Thursday at the 2025 OAU Distinguished Personality Lecture in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Wike praised Tinubu for demonstrating bold leadership.

“He has shown that he has the courage. Under Tinubu, there is nothing like cabal. This is a president that is in charge,” Wike stated during his keynote address.

Wike noted that previous Nigerian presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, lacked the courage to eliminate the petrol subsidy and unify the country’s foreign exchange rates. He argued that Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy has curbed long-standing corruption and prevented further exploitation.

Despite acknowledging that Nigeria has underachieved in the six decades since independence, Wike expressed optimism that the country could still achieve greatness—provided the right governance structures are implemented.

He emphasized the need to rebuild trust and strengthen national unity, noting that Nigeria’s progress depends on a shared commitment from all citizens. “The Nigeria we desire won’t fall from heaven. It requires vision, sacrifice, hard work, and purpose. Let us leave for the next generation resolve, not regrets,” he said.

Addressing critics who have called for his removal as FCT Minister, Wike dismissed their concerns, insisting he has the capacity to deliver. He also reaffirmed that individuals owing ground rent in Abuja must settle their debts, declaring, “Heaven will not fall if they pay.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom.