Wike: Why I was absent at council of state meeting

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified why he was absent from the recent Council of State meeting where President Bola Tinubu nominated Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new 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 Tinubu ahead of time that he would not be available for the meeting due to other official engagements.

He added that he asked the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him at the meeting.

According to The Punch, Wike dismissed reports that he boycotted the meeting because his preferred candidate for INEC Chairman was not chosen, describing such claims as “propaganda and blackmail.”

He said, “Last week Thursday, we had a flag-off event, and I told the Minister of State to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I already informed Mr President that I would not be available due to prior engagements. That is why I wonder when people carry unnecessary propaganda. They said I didn’t attend because my nominee wasn’t selected that’s not true.”

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

Wike also reacted to reports that he had fallen out with President Tinubu, calling the claims false.

“I work for Mr President. His focus has always been on putting this country on the right path. When you deliver results, your achievements will silence critics. Today, they have nothing more to say,” he added.

The Minister also praised President Tinubu for his leadership, saying it has made it easier for the FCT Administration to achieve visible progress.

“When you have the right leadership, you achieve results. Mr President has shown that, and that’s why people are talking about the achievements in the FCT,” Wike said.