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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has claimed that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, was bitterly disappointed after President Bola Tinubu did not select him as his running mate in the 2023 election.
Wike, speaking on Channels Television, said Lawal personally visited him in Port Harcourt shortly after Tinubu announced former Borno governor Kashim Shettima as his vice-presidential candidate.
According to Wike, Lawal was visibly upset during the meeting because he had expected to be chosen instead.
“When President Tinubu chose Shettima, Babachir Lawal came to my house in Port Harcourt. He came with a former Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was angry because he thought the president would pick him as vice president,” Wike disclosed.
Wike argued that Lawal’s recent criticism of Tinubu’s leadership stemmed from personal grievances rather than genuine concern for the state of the nation. He accused the former SGF of allowing disappointment to fuel his public outbursts against the president.
“Sometimes there are people you hold in high esteem until events reveal their true motives. His anger is not about Nigeria or governance; it is about not being made vice president,” Wike said.
In recent weeks, Babachir Lawal has described President Tinubu as “arrogant” and “unapproachable,” warning that Nigeria was on a dangerous path under the current administration. Wike dismissed these remarks, saying Lawal’s words were unpalatable and lacked sincerity.
“It is unfortunate that a man would go on national television to speak ill of the president, not because of policy failures, but simply because he feels entitled to an office he was not given,” Wike stressed.
The FCT minister also defended Tinubu’s leadership style, insisting that governance is not designed for every citizen to have direct access to the president. Instead, he said, Nigerians should approach ministers and advisers responsible for specific sectors.
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“Government does not mean everybody must reach the president. I am minister of the FCT, there are others in charge of interior, trade, or industry. That is how government functions. If you have a complaint about the FCT, you should come to me, not to the president directly,” Wike explained.
On the economy, Wike acknowledged that Nigerians are facing hardship but urged patience, noting that structural reforms cannot yield results overnight.
He argued that under previous administrations, states frequently relied on federal bailouts to survive, but Tinubu’s reforms have allowed states greater fiscal independence.
“No state is running to Abuja today for bailouts. That problem has been solved. The resources are now in the hands of the states to pursue development,” he said.
Wike also pointed to international recognition of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts, claiming that the United States and the United Kingdom have commended recent gains by the security agencies.
“Yes, there are challenges, but insecurity is gradually coming down. We must acknowledge genuine progress,” he noted.
The minister further criticised opposition figures who, according to him, make unrealistic promises. He referenced his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, who is now in a coalition with the African Democratic Congress, ADC who vowed to eradicate corruption within a month.
“How can anyone claim to end corruption in one month? That is not serious governance. As governor, he shut down the judiciary for nearly two years. Can such a man truly claim he wants to fight corruption?” Wike asked.
He also accused him of presiding over corruption scandals in Rivers State, including the diversion of public funds into failed projects such as the state monorail, the ill-fated Karibi-Whyte hospital, and the disappearance of government aircraft.
“This is a man who abandoned projects worth billions, sold government assets to friends, and still talks about corruption. Nigerians must be careful not to be deceived,” Wike warned.
While acknowledging the economic strain on citizens, Wike insisted that Tinubu’s policies are laying the groundwork for future stability. He urged Nigerians to judge the administration fairly and not on sentiments of political disappointment.
