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A former Nigerian state governor has alleged that President Bola Tinubu intends to dismiss a key cabinet member once strategic political goals are achieved. Sule Lamido, who previously governed Jigawa State in northern Nigeria, asserted during a televised interview that Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will be removed from office once Tinubu consolidates influence in the country’s southern regions.

Lamido made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time, suggesting Tinubu’s appointment of Wike—a former governor of Rivers State in the oil-rich South-South geopolitical zone—was primarily tactical. “Tinubu was looking for someone who would help him secure his political interests,” Lamido stated, framing the decision as a calculated effort to strengthen the president’s foothold in the South-South, a region pivotal to Nigeria’s economy and electoral dynamics.

The South-South, comprising states like Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Edo, holds significant strategic value due to its oil reserves and voting population. Lamido claimed Tinubu has already made inroads in Akwa Ibom and Edo through alliances, while Wike reportedly retains influence in Rivers. “By the time Tinubu secures the South-South, Wike will become irrelevant,” Lamido argued, adding that the minister’s role is temporary and tied to specific objectives.

While Lamido did not provide evidence for his assertion, his comments highlight long-standing speculation about the transactional nature of political appointments in Nigeria. Wike, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), surprised observers by accepting a ministerial role under Tinubu, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following the 2023 elections. Analysts have interpreted the move as part of broader efforts to foster cross-party alliances, though critics argue such arrangements prioritize short-term gains over governance.

The FCT minister has not publicly responded to Lamido’s claims. Tinubu’s administration has similarly remained silent on the matter, though political observers note that reshuffling cabinet positions ahead of future elections is not uncommon in Nigerian politics.

Lamido’s remarks coincide with heightened scrutiny of Tinubu’s reliance on figures from opposition strongholds to advance his agenda. The South-South, in particular, has been a focal point due to its resource wealth and history of influencing national politics. Whether Wike’s tenure aligns with these calculations—or outlives them—remains a subject of debate, underscoring the fluidity of power dynamics in Africa’s most populous nation.