Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has levelled serious allegations against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of illegally allocating lands to family members, political allies, and associates in a bid to raise funds for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, Frank described the alleged land racketeering under Wike’s watch as a “national scandal,” warning that the continued silence of President Tinubu on the matter raises troubling questions about his complicity or indifference.
Frank stated that while President Tinubu has yet to formally declare his intention to seek a second term, Wike’s alleged actions suggest that preparations are already underway funded through questionable means.
He expressed alarm that the FCT Minister was allegedly reallocating lands, including properties reportedly belonging to an embassy, to his close associates with impunity.
“The continued silence of President Tinubu in the face of these weighty allegations is both troubling and unacceptable. If these actions by the FCT Minister go unchecked, they will tarnish the President’s image and administration,” Frank said.
He questioned why the country’s security and anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police have not launched investigations into the allegations, despite growing public concern.
Frank also criticised the National Assembly for its inaction, despite having oversight powers over the FCT. He warned that the alleged abuse of office and disregard for due process under Wike’s leadership would erode investor confidence and hurt the nation’s economy.
Drawing a comparison with the case of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, who was suspended and removed from office over misappropriation allegations, Frank questioned why Wike is being treated differently despite what he called “even more grievous infractions.”
“This clearly shows that you are either a beneficiary of Wike’s land-grabbing spree or an accomplice by your refusal to act in the face of public outcry against the heist,” he said, directly addressing President Tinubu.
Frank concluded by demanding the immediate resignation of Wike to pave the way for an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations.
