As the 2027 general elections approach, the rivalry between former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has once again taken center stage. Amaechi, who is now aligned with an emerging opposition coalition, appears set to challenge the status quo, while Wike continues to show unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu. Speaking during a public lecture in Abuja titled “Weaponization of Poverty” held to commemorate his 60th birthday, Amaechi boldly expressed frustration over the current state of the nation, declaring: “We are all hungry. All of us are. If you are not hungry, I am. So, for us the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power (Tinubu), we can remove him from this power.” According to LMSINT MEDIA, Amaechi is playing a strategic role in forming a new opposition alliance aimed at unseating Tinubu in the 2027 elections. On the contrary, Wike has declared his commitment to lead President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike publicly dismissed Amaechi’s remarks about hunger, stating in his monthly media briefing that the former Minister was not experiencing hardship. He argued that Amaechi and the opposition are merely “hungry for power”, recalling Amaechi’s previous statement in 2017 that he did not like money and considered himself incorruptible: “Is my honesty in doubt? I have told Nigerians and I repeat to Nigerians today I am not corrupt and I don’t like money.” Referring back to this declaration, Wike commented: “We have no time to listen to nonsense in Nigeria. I don’t understand why a man like Amaechi would choose his 60th birthday to lie to Nigerians about being hungry. He was Speaker from 1999 to 2007, Governor from 2007 to 2015, and Minister from 2015 to 2023. He never spoke about hunger during those years. Now they are regrouping. They are only hungry for power.” In response, Amaechi fired back during an interview on Arise TV, calling Wike a “child” and sharing behind-the-scenes details of their earlier political dealings: “I wanted him (Wike) as chief of staff so I could supervise him. Adoke flew all the way from Abuja to Port Harcourt that Wike asked me to make him the Commissioner for Finance and I said no… I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children. He made himself chief of staff, governor, minister, and local government chairman.” The Origin of Amaechi and Wike’s Political Fallout As reported by LMSINT MEDIA, the disagreement between the two political figures can be traced back to 2012. Though both hail from Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State—Amaechi from Ubima in Ikwerre LGA and Wike from Rumueprikon in Obio/Akpor LGA—their political rivalry intensified over time. Despite Amaechi allegedly helping Wike rise through the ranks—from Local Government Chairman, to Chief of Staff, and eventually a Minister during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration—Wike also once defended Amaechi during a political crisis involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo. During his gubernatorial tenure, Amaechi was perceived to be detached, allowing Wike to establish control in Rivers State politics. Public Reactions to Wike’s Statement Dr. Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and Arise TV anchor, criticized Wike’s recent comments, describing them as disrespectful given Amaechi’s seniority in politics: “I think that Nyesom Wike is very rude and disrespectful because Rotimi Amaechi is his boss in politics.” However, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, rebutted Abati’s claims. Olayinka highlighted Wike’s role in defending Amaechi when the former Governor fled to Ghana in 2007: “So how is Rotimi Amaechi Wike’s boss in politics? When Amaechi was a House of Assembly member, Wike was a Local Government Chairman… Wike led the charge to retrieve Amaechi’s mandate.” He also questioned Abati’s journalistic integrity for defending Amaechi on the same platform (ARISE NEWS) where Wike was earlier criticized: “Trained journalists working in Media Organizations don’t do that. They leave people to defend themselves.” Can the Rivals Unite? Legal activist Maduabuchi Idam believes that resource control could bring the two politicians back together. Speaking to LMSINT MEDIA, he noted: “Amaechi and Wike have no real personal issues or ideological differences, only a power struggle over resource control. If offered a shared stake in Rivers State’s resources, they would unite quickly to keep out a third contender.” Idam emphasized that their feud lacks ideological grounding and is rooted in control and access to power rather than public service.
The Nigerian Presidency has firmly addressed the critique issued by Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, which accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s administration of failing the Nigerian populace. According to LMSINT MEDIA, Afenifere earlier alleged that the current administration’s two-year performance has resulted in a decline in human development, poor economic decisions, and weakening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. In a formal response, the Presidency described these remarks as biased and influenced by political opposition, specifically pointing out that the group supported an opposition candidate during the 2023 general elections. Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, addressed the matter in an official statement. He emphasized that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu is actively steering Nigeria toward economic recovery and stability. “The comments from this factional Afenifere group are disturbing and reveal a clear agenda to distort facts and promote misleading narratives,” Dare noted. “It is evident that they are unwilling to acknowledge the positive steps being taken under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.” He added, “Their viewpoint mimics that of opposition leaders and lacks objectivity. A data-backed and impartial evaluation paints a more progressive picture with notable achievements, despite the inevitable hurdles tied to Nigeria’s long-standing structural problems.” He further explained that Afenifere’s claims about “unrelieved suffering” due to economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the naira floatation fail to account for the broader macroeconomic benefits. The adviser stated that removing fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023, allowed the government to save over $10 billion in 2023 alone. These savings significantly reduced fiscal pressure and redirected funds to critical development sectors. In addition, the unification of the foreign exchange market and floating of the naira contributed to a strengthened financial structure. Nigeria’s foreign reserves increased to $38.1 billion by 2024, and the country recorded a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion.
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On Tuesday, Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his private residence in Lagos. President Tinubu has been stationed in Lagos since the previous week, actively inaugurating multiple infrastructure projects across the state. It has been confirmed that the President intends to stay in Lagos until the completion of the Sallah festivities. Governor Fubara’s recent engagement with President Tinubu is believed to be related to the current political instability and emergency situation in Rivers State. Earlier, President Tinubu announced a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State and took decisive action by suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly. To maintain control and governance, Tinubu has appointed a sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the state during the emergency period. In a bid to restore political harmony, Fubara also had a meeting with his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, in an effort to reconcile and deescalate the political crisis. Wike played a crucial role in Fubara’s emergence as governor, despite facing resistance from various political stakeholders within Rivers State.
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On Tuesday, former presidential aide Reno Omokri advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a strategic approach to addressing criticism from Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, and his growing base of supporters, known as the Obidient Movement. According to Omokri, Tinubu’s administration should not dwell on the negativity expressed by Peter Obi and his followers. Instead, the government should emphasize and publicize its developmental successes and national projects to counter criticism with positive action. In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Omokri stated that the most effective way to deal with Obi and the Obidients is to flood the public space with evidence of positive achievements rather than engage in negative rhetoric. He remarked: “The best strategy for the Tinubu-led government in managing Peter Obi and his supporters is to counter their negativity with an overwhelming display of positivity. During my recent stay in Nigeria, I observed a surge in development activities across key cities like Abuja and Lagos.” Omokri highlighted that massive infrastructural efforts are underway, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which commenced from both Lagos and Calabar simultaneously. He also mentioned the Ilela-Sokoto-Badagry Expressway as being in progress and emphasized the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as part of the administration’s ongoing initiatives. He continued: “Development is visibly ongoing nationwide. This progress should be projected vigorously through every communication channel—television, radio, newspapers, and social media platforms. When critics claim Nigeria is like a zoo, let the government zoom in on the facts.” Omokri criticized Obidient supporters for praising foreign leaders like Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, who, according to him, has achieved less than a Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairman in Lagos. He noted: “These same Obidients who sing praises for Traoré fail to acknowledge achievements at home. For instance, the Third Mainland Bridge alone is valued at nearly half of Burkina Faso’s entire GDP. Yet, they have nothing commendable to say about Nigeria. Perhaps they should consider relocating to Burkina Faso.”
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday shared an emotional revelation about how suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara caused him to shed tears. During a monthly press conference in Abuja, the former governor of Rivers State reflected on the deeply personal and political betrayal he experienced. He recounted how reviewing Fubara’s past public statements about him stirred emotions and brought him to tears. Wike, who governed Rivers State for two consecutive terms, revealed that he was the driving force behind Fubara’s emergence as governor, despite significant pushback from other political stakeholders within the state. Shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, tensions escalated between the two political figures. The power struggle severely impacted governance in Rivers State, leading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency. During this period, the president suspended the governor, his deputy, and members of the state assembly and appointed a sole administrator to manage the affairs of the state. In a surprising turn of events, Fubara recently visited Wike to seek peace and reconciliation. Wike, while addressing the media, said: “When I go back in my quiet moments, I play the video of speeches of the governor (Fubara), what he said; what he did to me; I weep.Was it necessary? This was somebody who brought you, gave you food, gave you everything, did this for you, and then you became a tool for his enemies to fight him.”
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared his intention to spearhead President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State for the 2027 presidential election. This announcement underscores Wike’s continued political influence and his commitment to ensuring the South retains the presidency. During a media chat in Abuja on June 2, 2025, Wike addressed questions regarding his role in the upcoming election. He emphasized his dedication to President Tinubu’s success, stating, “I have told you this before, is it because I am in Asiwaju’s presidency? Are you not aware I will lead his campaign in Rivers State? You want me to say no?” Wike also highlighted President Tinubu’s previous performance in the FCT, noting that he secured less than 10% of the votes in the 2023 election. He expressed confidence in a significant improvement, asserting that Tinubu would win in the FCT in the upcoming election. Addressing his political affiliations, Wike reaffirmed his membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite his collaboration with the APC-led federal government. He stated, “No one will take me from the party. I’m a member. In fact, I’ll lead the PDP campaign in Rivers by 2027.” Wike’s dual roles have sparked discussions about his political stance. He has been vocal about internal challenges within the PDP and has criticized certain party leaders. Despite these tensions, he maintains that his loyalty to the PDP remains steadfast. In his remarks, Wike also addressed criticisms from former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, who had accused him of seeking power. Wike dismissed these claims, emphasizing his commitment to delivering electoral success for President Tinubu.
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Malik Ado-Ibrahim, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) presidential flagbearer in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, has expressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s current cabinet composition. He urged the president to carry out a significant reshuffle of his ministerial team. During an appearance on Channels Television’s political affairs program, Sunday Politics, Ado-Ibrahim shared his thoughts about the effectiveness of those currently surrounding the Nigerian president. According to Ado-Ibrahim, President Tinubu’s inability to bring his strategic vision to life is directly tied to the team of individuals he has appointed into positions of authority. “From my perspective, most members of the current cabinet have reached their limit and should be replaced,” he remarked. He further stated that no individual holds a monopoly on wisdom, suggesting that more capable individuals could be brought in to drive national objectives more efficiently. “No matter how much one knows, it’s unrealistic to believe others don’t know better. There are smarter individuals out there. What I’m offering is an opinion—and that opinion is clear: the president should revamp the cabinet to restore public confidence,” he added. Ado-Ibrahim emphasized the importance of having ministers who are not just nominally appointed but are well-suited for administration and execution of policies. “The president needs a proper strategy, and more importantly, he should assign roles to those who can execute those strategies—not just hand someone a ministerial title and expect them to perform without guidance. You can’t just appoint someone as Minister of Health and expect things to magically improve. You need a competent administrator,” he concluded.
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In a significant political development, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has presented brand new SUVs to 17 acting local government chairmen who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This gesture comes three months after their transition to the ruling party. The acting chairmen, previously legislative leaders in their respective councils, assumed their roles following the suspension and subsequent impeachment of the elected chairmen and their deputies. The Edo State House of Assembly had suspended all 18 local government chairmen and their deputies on December 17, 2024, citing insubordination and gross misconduct due to their refusal to submit financial records for scrutiny, as detailed in a petition by Governor Okpebholo dated November 16, 2024 . Before the suspension period concluded, the legislative arms of the various councils impeached the chairmen and deputies, appointing the legislative leaders as acting chairmen. These acting chairmen officially joined the APC on March 17, 2025 . Governor Okpebholo stated that the provision of new SUVs is aimed at enhancing effective service delivery at the grassroots level. He remarked: “I want to thank God for making today possible as chairmen now have the privilege to drive brand new vehicles in the state. New things are beginning to happen in Edo State under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I know how much you are receiving in the councils, and we will measure your success rate if it is commensurate with what you are receiving. My administration has not interfered with your funds and resources.” Commissioner for Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, noted that this is the first time in the state’s history that brand new SUVs have been purchased for local government chairmen. He emphasized that the vehicles are intended to facilitate the chairmen’s responsibilities. Notably, Tom Obaseki, the elected chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, and his deputy were not impeached by the legislative arm. However, the council’s affairs are currently managed by the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Igbinigie Osaheni.
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Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the President has dismantled the nation’s economic foundations within his two-year tenure. In a recent interview on Arise News, Ameh expressed concern over the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies, labeling the decision as insensitive and lacking foresight. He emphasized that such a significant policy shift should have been accompanied by a comprehensive plan to mitigate its impact on the populace. “The removal of the fuel subsidy without a clear policy direction has led to unprecedented hardship,” Ameh stated. He highlighted the surge in fuel prices from N197 to approximately N1,000 per liter, attributing this spike to the government’s hasty actions. Ameh also questioned the ruling party’s awareness of the citizens’ struggles, suggesting that they might be disconnected from the realities on the ground. He pointed out that the liberal economic policies adopted have disproportionately affected the underprivileged, leading to increased transportation costs and inflation. Furthermore, Ameh criticized the administration’s failure to implement its promises, such as cultivating 500,000 hectares of land to boost agriculture. He argued that the lack of a structured approach to policy implementation has exacerbated the nation’s economic woes. In conclusion, Ameh called for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to governance, urging the administration to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians in its policy decisions.
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At a public lecture commemorating his 60th birthday in Abuja, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, openly declared his refusal to support or collaborate with President Bola Tinubu, citing concerns over Tinubu’s capacity to govern Nigeria effectively. Amaechi recounted a conversation with Tinubu in Yola, stating, “I told Tinubu in Yola, I will not support you; I will not work for you. I did not work for him; I did not vote for him. It was the issue of capacity.” He criticized the prevalent practice of voting based on ethnic and religious affiliations, emphasizing that such tendencies have led to the current state of the nation. He remarked, “Some of us who are here are also those who vote on an ethnic or religious basis. Innocent, uneducated people are manipulated to vote based on ethnicity and religion—that’s why we are here.” Highlighting the government’s approach to poverty, Amaechi accused the administration of weaponizing poverty by misappropriating funds meant for essential services. He stated, “They are weaponising poverty by stealing the money they should have used to build hospitals and schools. The benefit of the fuel subsidy removal is in their pockets.” Expressing his disillusionment with the current leadership, Amaechi called for collective action to address the nation’s challenges. He asserted, “For us in opposition, if you want us to remove this man, we can remove this man from power. We want to submit to the opposition if the opposition will take us out of this problem.”
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As President Bola Tinubu’s administration marks its second anniversary, a significant portion of Nigerians express deep dissatisfaction, citing increased poverty, hunger, and insecurity since his inauguration on May 29, 2023. Mounting Economic Struggles The removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates were among the administration’s bold economic reforms. However, these measures have led to a sharp increase in the cost of living, with many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities. Inflation has soared, and the naira’s depreciation has further eroded purchasing power. Voices from the Nation Government’s Perspective Despite widespread criticism, the presidency maintains that the reforms are yielding positive results. President Tinubu has highlighted improvements in government revenue and a reduced fiscal deficit. He asserts that these measures are necessary sacrifices for long-term gain. It’s Too Early to Judge, But Reforms Come at a Social Cost — Ogunsuyi Public analyst and former Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi, opined that assessing President Bola Tinubu’s administration after just two years may be premature. According to him, Tinubu’s government has enacted significant economic reforms, notably the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. These efforts, he argued, are geared towards economic stabilization. However, Ogunsuyi noted that while some macroeconomic indicators may show promise, the cost of these reforms has deeply affected ordinary Nigerians. Rising inflation—peaking at 34.71% in April 2025—has significantly eroded purchasing power. The naira’s sharp devaluation, from ₦460.70 to ₦1,579.40 per dollar, has further compounded hardship. He lamented that critical issues like insurgency and insecurity remain unresolved. Moreover, institutions like the National Assembly, he said, have failed to impact communities meaningfully, despite budgetary allocations for constituency projects. Ogunsuyi urged the government to urgently address issues such as the high cost of living, insecurity, and institutional inefficiencies. Focus Next Two Years on the Poor — Sunday Akere Sunday Akere, former Osun State Commissioner for Information, noted that while President Tinubu’s policies are laying a foundation for economic recovery, they have disproportionately burdened the poor. He acknowledged the return of investor confidence but insisted the government must now pivot to social welfare. Akere emphasized the need to lower food prices and tackle insecurity, particularly to encourage farmers to return to their lands safely. He also stressed the importance of improving power generation and distribution to boost the economy and reduce reliance on fuel. Governance Must Take Priority Over Politics — Moruf Balogun Moruf Balogun, former Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, criticized the administration for prioritizing politics over governance. He expressed disappointment over the federal government’s failure to implement the 2024 Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments. On health and security, Balogun painted a grim picture: hospitals have become death traps, healthcare professionals have lost faith in the system, and citizens face daily threats from criminal violence. He warned that persistent hunger and hardship are fueling social unrest. He urged the President to “stop chasing shadows” and focus on governance, stressing that the administration must deliver meaningful change before 2027. Job Creation Is Essential — Comrade Wasiu Ashaye Wasiu, Chairman of United Action for Democracy (UAD) in Ogun State, believes democracy in Nigeria remains fragile even after decades. He criticized the Tinubu administration for running what he described as an unpopular government that neglects the poor and small-scale traders. Wasiu urged the President to focus on job creation and expand economic opportunities. He highlighted the importance of tackling insecurity and improving access to essential services like healthcare and education, which he said are currently in dire condition. Voices from the Streets: Citizens Share Their Experiences Adeola Adedoja (32, Teacher):“Life has become harder. The cost of living has surged, and salaries can’t keep up. The government needs to stabilize prices and create employment.” Chike Ogbogu (45, Business Owner):“Infrastructure has improved slightly, but more needs to be done. Small businesses need better access to funding and friendlier policies.” Fatima Adedeji (28, Student):“Education is still underfunded. Many students are struggling to pay tuition. We need more youth-focused investments.” Emeka Oneforume (60, Retiree):“While two years is short, I hope to see more efforts in social services. Healthcare and pension reforms are urgently needed.” Nneka Philip (37, Nurse):“There’s room for improvement, but funding and resources in hospitals must increase for any real change.” Jide Ojolowo (50, Civil Servant):“The security crisis is worsening. People live in fear. Community policing and intelligence must be prioritized.” Not Beyond Redemption — Anthony Sani Former ACF Secretary General Anthony Sani likened Nigeria’s situation to animals hibernating for survival. He urged Nigerians to be patient, suggesting that the pain of reform might be temporary. Sani advocated for using savings from fuel subsidy removal to improve human capital through investments in health and education, arguing that ignorance and poverty are major contributors to insecurity. Power Sector Must Be a Priority — Hajiya Indo Aliyu Kaduna-based trader, Hajiya Indo Aliyu, expressed frustration over the collapse of the national power grid and rising tariffs. She urged the federal government to fix the power sector, stating that a reliable electricity supply could significantly ease daily life, especially in northern Nigeria. Prices of Goods Should Be Addressed — Ali Muhammad Local farmer Ali Muhammad from Birnin Gwari in Kaduna noted a return to peace in his region due to a local pact with bandits. However, he called on the federal government to urgently intervene in reducing the cost of goods, which remain unaffordable for most people. My Business Collapsed Due to Reforms — James Aba James Aba, a former business owner in Akure, recounted how the fuel subsidy removal and electricity tariff hike forced him to close his shop. Unable to keep up with rent and salaries, he relocated to Benue to start afresh. He appealed for a reversal of electricity tariffs and a reduction in petrol prices. Earning More, Affording Less — Nyiakula Ager Entrepreneur Nyiakula Ager said although his income rose from ₦200,000 to just over ₦300,000, he can now afford less than
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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting internally generated revenue through taxation, stressing that the FCT, unlike oil-producing states, depends solely on taxes to fund development. Wike highlighted the backlog of unpaid ground rents, some stretching back 20 to 30 years, and noted that although the current administration has not yet raised ground rent rates, a review is on the horizon. “The President has granted a two-week waiver,” Wike disclosed, emphasizing that no amount of blackmail or intimidation will derail the government’s resolve to enforce what is necessary. He encouraged residents to pay their taxes, assuring them that doing so will lead to visible improvements across the territory. “That is what we are striving to achieve,” he added
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The Kano State Government has issued a strong warning to youths involved in activities that disrupt the state’s peace and security. This warning came from Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (rtd), the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, during a recent visit to areas plagued by gang-related disturbances. Among the areas visited was Kurna Tudun Fulani, where a youth, Abba Sa’idu, tragically lost his life amid gang clashes. Commissioner Umar emphasized that the Abba Kabir Yusuf-led administration is diligently addressing youth unemployment as a strategy to minimize idleness, which often leads to violence and thuggery. He stressed that creating job opportunities for the youth remains a top priority in the government’s agenda to combat armed thuggery and restore lasting peace in Kano. He further urged the public to take responsibility in safeguarding their communities, pointing out that security is a collective responsibility requiring the involvement of all residents. In support of this, Mal Usaini Ibrahim, the ward head of Kurna Tudun Fulani, appealed to government authorities to establish a police outpost in the area. He assured that the community is ready to provide a suitable location for the proposed station.
