The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of alleged abuse of power, warning that his actions could undermine democratic governance and institutional integrity in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the coalition alleged that Wike has repeatedly overstepped the boundaries of his office, citing what it described as the manipulation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, as a major concern.
According to the group, Wike’s tenure as FCT minister has been characterised by unwarranted interference in political and institutional matters beyond his constitutional mandate.
Charanchi said:
“It is imperative to address these issues publicly, as they not only threaten the integrity of the political landscape but also undermine the principles of governance and accountability that should guide our nation.”
He accused the minister of encroaching into areas outside his jurisdiction and failing to respect the principles of federalism and the autonomy of state governments.
“Wike’s tenure has been marked by a troubling pattern of behaviour that includes unwarranted encroachments into territories beyond his jurisdiction. His blatant disregard for the boundaries of his office is alarming,” Charanchi said.
The coalition further alleged that Wike interferes in party politics and intimidates opponents, warning that such actions cross “the red lines of tolerance essential for a functional democracy.”
CNG described the alleged involvement of the EFCC in matters concerning Governor Mohammed as “one of the most egregious examples” of Wike’s overreach.
“This blatant misuse of power is pushing the limits of tolerance far too far and is simply unacceptable,” the group said, adding that the EFCC’s response to Governor Mohammed’s comments appeared “scripted” and raised serious concerns about the agency’s independence.
The group cautioned that Wike does not have a monopoly on power or political influence, noting that “in the fullness of time, excesses are often repaid in equal measure.”
CNG also warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain vigilant, stressing that Wike’s alleged actions, if unchecked, could damage the credibility of the administration and weaken democratic institutions.
The coalition accused the minister of previously undermining democratic institutions in Rivers State, including the police, judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and claimed that similar tendencies were now being replicated at the national level.
Charanchi said:
“The EFCC’s assertion that it operates independently and without bias is undermined by its actions, which have increasingly appeared to cater to the whims of political figures like Wike.”
He added that the timing of investigations into Governor Mohammed raised concerns about selective accountability, stressing that anti-corruption efforts must apply equally to all political actors, regardless of affiliation.
The group further expressed concern over what it described as growing ambiguity about the locus of power in the country, questioning whether authority rested with the president or the FCT minister.
“This ambiguity not only undermines the authority of elected officials but also contributes to a governance crisis that could destabilise the nation,” the statement said.
CNG warned that continued political intimidation and institutional interference could fuel instability, public disillusionment and the erosion of democratic norms.
The coalition called on the EFCC to focus strictly on its statutory mandate of combating financial crimes without yielding to political pressure, while urging civil society groups, political parties and citizens to remain vigilant in defending democracy, electoral integrity and the rule of law.
