Why I Was Absent from Council of State Meeting – Wike Explains

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained the reason behind his absence at the recent Council of State meeting, where Prof. Joash Amupitan was nominated as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike said he had informed President Bola Tinubu in advance that he would not be available due to prior official commitments. He added that he delegated the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him at the meeting.

“Sometime last week, Thursday, we had a flag-off event. I told the Minister of State, FCT, to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I had already told Mr President that I would not be available because of other engagements we had already put in place,” Wike said.

He dismissed reports suggesting he boycotted the meeting because his preferred nominee for the INEC Chairmanship was rejected, describing the claims as “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail.”

“That is why we have to be careful when people spread unnecessary propaganda. They said I did not attend because I was not happy that my own nominee was not taken. But that is false,” the Minister clarified.

Wike’s comments came after *Sahara Reporters* alleged that his absence reflected growing tensions between him and President Tinubu. The report claimed that Wike was unhappy with Prof. Amupitan’s nomination and had lobbied for Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Court of Appeal to be appointed instead.

Responding to the allegations, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the President, stressing that his focus remains on delivering tangible results in the FCT.

“I work for Mr President. His judgment has always been about putting this country on the right path. When you start delivering, achievements will silence critics. Today, they have nothing again to say,” he said.

Wike also commended President Tinubu’s leadership, crediting the FCT Administration’s progress to his direction.

“I have always said that when you have the right leadership, you can achieve results. Mr President has shown the right leadership, and that is why people are talking about our achievements in the FCT,” he added.

The Council of State meeting, held on October 9, 2025, nominated Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman, pending Senate confirmation.