I Never Asked Tinubu for An Appointment

In a media chat on Monday in Abuja, Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), firmly denied any discussions with President Bola Tinubu regarding a political appointment in exchange for his support during the 2023 election.

Wike, who was a vocal supporter of Tinubu despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), addressed the issue directly, dispelling any speculation about deals made prior to the election.

“I have been a minister before. And that is the problem we have in this country. You think you must be a sycophant before you get a job,” Wike said, adding that his support for Tinubu was not motivated by any personal gain.

Wike Denies Pre-Election Appointment Deal With Tinubu

He further emphasised that at no point did he sit down with the president and negotiate for a ministerial position or any other political favour, making it clear that his support for Tinubu was not tied to any appointment promises.

“I was not a minister when I said I would support President Tinubu. I never sat with him and said, ‘If you win, you will give me so, so and so thing,'” Wike clarified.

The minister has received knocks from various quarters for supporting and prioritising Tinubu’s political ambition ahead of others from the PDP.

Author

Olayide Soaga

Olayide Oluwafunmilayo Soaga is a Nigerian journalist with four years of professional experience. She reports on health, gender, education and development, with a focus on impact-driven storytelling.

She was runner-up for the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Best Solutions Journalism Award in West Africa in 2024 and a finalist for the 2025 West Africa Media Excellence Awards.