The Ijaw National Congress (INC), West Africa Chapter, has formally requested President Bola Tinubu to redeploy Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to the Ministry of the Niger Delta ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The request was made in a pre-action notice contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu, dated January 6, 2026, and signed by Rev. Dr. Perry Aperela, Chairman of INC West Africa Chapter.
Titled “Pre-action notice requesting redeployment/transfer of the Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike from the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory to the Ministry of the Niger Delta,” the letter cited Wike’s frequent political engagements in Rivers State as the reason for the redeployment.
The group argued that Wike has been traveling from Abuja to Rivers State almost every weekend to campaign, indicating that his political activities are primarily focused in the Niger Delta region.
“It is only appropriate and administratively reasonable that he be redeployed to the Ministry of the Niger Delta to align his ministerial responsibilities with his political engagements and regional proximity,” the letter read.
Wike has recently held several political meetings with stakeholders in Rivers State, where he pledged full support for President Tinubu amid ongoing tensions with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The minister’s opposition to Governor Fubara’s second-term bid reportedly led to a confrontation with APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, who suggested Wike resign from his ministerial position to focus on state politics.
In response, Wike warned Basiru against interfering in Rivers politics, stating that continued meddling would have consequences.
The INC’s request highlights the growing intersection of ministerial duties and regional political interests ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Observers note that how President Tinubu responds could influence political dynamics in the Niger Delta and the APC’s strategy in Rivers State.
