Everybody Is Scared Of Nyesom Wike; In Abuja, Wike Is Virtually The De Facto Vice President — Momodu

In a recent interview on News Central TV, Dele Momodu, publisher and leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), spoke about the increasing political clout of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He provided insights into how this influence is reshaping governance in Abuja and its implications for Nigeria’s democracy. 

Momodu observed that recent events have considerably raised Wike’s profile, suggesting that his visible assertiveness and the strong support from the presidency have made him one of the most significant figures in the current administration. He noted that this perception has created an atmosphere where many political actors are wary of direct engagement.

He remarked, “Everybody is scared of Wike; in Abuja, Wike is virtually the de facto vice president,” underscoring that this fear indicates a broader political unease rather than mere political posturing. Momodu also highlighted that a minister’s power shouldn’t eclipse other constitutional roles, as this raises questions about institutional boundaries and democratic fairness.

While he acknowledged that strong leadership can be beneficial, he emphasized that democracy thrives on well-defined roles and shared accountability. He urged leaders to maintain democratic principles to prevent personal influence from undermining governance and to promote trust in Nigeria’s democratic framework.