Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), West Africa Chapter, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
Pre-Action Notice Sent to President
The group made the demand in a pre-action notice contained in a letter dated January 6, 2026, which was addressed to President Tinubu and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The letter was signed by Rev. Dr. Perry Aperela, Chairman of the INC West Africa Chapter.
Titled “Pre-action notice requesting redeployment/transfer of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, from the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory to the Ministry of Niger Delta”, the letter argued that Wike’s current political activities are more aligned with the Niger Delta region.
Reason for the Request
According to the INC, Wike has been engaging in frequent political activities in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, necessitating regular travel from Abuja to the Niger Delta.
“This serves as a formal pre-action notice to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the redeployment of Nyesom Wike from the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory to the Ministry of the Niger Delta,” the letter stated.
The group argued that Wike’s continuous presence in Rivers State indicates that his political focus is no longer centred in the Federal Capital Territory.
“He has been travelling from the FCT to Rivers State almost every weekend in recent times, which clearly shows that his political engagements are more concentrated in the Niger Delta region,” the letter added.
The group said redeploying Wike would be administratively appropriate and align his ministerial responsibilities with his political engagements and regional proximity.
Political Tensions in Rivers State
The request comes amid renewed political tensions in Rivers State, where Wike has recently held several meetings with political stakeholders and publicly reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu.
His alleged opposition to a second-term bid by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has intensified political divisions within the state.
APC Secretary, Wike Clash
The situation has also led to a public disagreement between Wike and the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru.
Basiru had advised Wike to resign his ministerial position and focus fully on politics in Rivers State. In response, Wike warned Basiru against interfering in Rivers politics, cautioning that such involvement could have consequences.
Awaiting Presidency’s Response
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has not issued an official response to the INC’s pre-action notice.
