Akande: Why Wike is being indulged by Tinubu, APC

Former presidential aide Laolu Akande has suggested that President Bola Tinubu continues to tolerate the authoritarian conduct of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), because of Wike's political usefulness to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election. Akande noted that Wike's conduct, including his authoritarian approach to political disagreements and his controversial comments about being referred to as "that guy", may be tolerated as long as he remains politically valuable for the APC.

He pointed to Wike's reaction to being called "that guy" at a UN interview and his refusal to support Asue Ighodalo in the 2024 Edo State governorship election as examples of his authoritarian tendencies. Akande argued that Wike's behavior suggests he sees himself differently than others, referring to himself as a "guy" while calling Atiku Abubakar an "emperor".

He also noted that Wike's conduct undermines democratic competition and represents a tyrant's reasoning. Despite Wike being a member of the PDP, his political relationships with the Tinubu administration and the APC could be a factor in his continued inclusion in the cabinet. Akande suggested that Wike's political value to the ruling party might explain why his conduct has not led to a loss of support from the president, but warned that once his political utility ends, his position could change.