A report by Sahara Reporters widely shared by social media users claimed that FCT minister Nyesom Wike has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure

A post circulating on social media has made fresh speculations regarding the health status of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The post, which has been viewed by more than 12,000 people, claimed: “Breaking News. Wike Suffers Heart Failure in UK. Presently Battling With His Life.” 

Wike, serving as the minister of the FCT since 2023, is a key ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Legit reports that while Nigerian hospitals battle with inadequate equipment and funding, most of the country’s politicians routinely travel for medical treatment in the United Kingdom (UK).

However, checks by Legit.ng indicate that no other reputable platforms have the report while Wike’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, is also yet to react to the claim

The same claim about Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), appear here.

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Wike, governor of Rivers state from 2015 to 2023, is widely considered a strong ally of President Bola Tinubu.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member supported Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 poll. Tinubu eventually won the 2023 presidential election.

Wike was the leader of the G5, a group of then-PDP governors who were aggrieved with the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the PDP national leadership at the time.

After his inauguration on May 29, 2023, Tinubu appointed Wike as the minister of the FCT, Abuja, apparently as a reward for his support to the president during the election.

Lately, users put up posts on social media claiming that Wike suffered a heart failure and is in grave danger of dying. But how true is this? We probed..

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Wike ‘away from duty’

We discovered that the story about Wike’s alleged severe illness was published by Nigerian blog, Sahara Reporters. The media outlet said sources privy to the minister’s health status informed it that Wike has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and is currently under medical management in the UK. Apart from that, no such articles from any credible news outlet.

Also, we found that it has been a while since Wike appeared at public events. Wike was last seen at the flag off of the emergency rehabilitation and dualisation of the Karu Interchange, Customs Clinic Junction road, Abuja, on Wednesday, September 3.

The video and photographs can be seen below:

He has been represented at two public events since that time, fuelling rumours that he might be out of the country for medical reasons. On Thursday, September 4, chief of staff Chidi Amadi stood in for Wike at the flag off the distribution of fertilisers at 50 percent subsidised rates to farmers across the six area councils of the FCT.

Similarly, on Thursday, September 11, Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, the minister of state for the FCT, represented Wike at the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (APSON’s) 24th annual general meeting (AGM) and scientific conference in Abuja. Vanguard noted Mariya filling in for Wike at the event.

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Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, who is vocal on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), and is often swift to quash certain reports related to his principal, has yet to issue a statement to debunk or confirm the development.

Some fuel importers and depot owners have raised alarm over what they describe as a double standard by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing the company of selling petrol to international traders at cheaper than the price offered to local marketers.

The Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) claimed the practice was undermining competition and putting local businesses at risk. …Click link for full details

As the largest election in Africa approaches, the political landscape is buzzing with excitement about the potential candidacy of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential race.

This development opens up an interesting dialogue about the possibility of a contest between Jonathan and the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

If Jonathan chooses to run and emerges victorious, the changes for Nigeria could be significant.

Reflecting on his past, Jonathan has attributed his electoral loss in 2015 to betrayal from within his own political ranks. During that election, he was vying for a second term but was ultimately defeated by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, representing the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC).

Now, under intense pressure from his political allies, Jonathan is actively consulting on the feasibility of contesting against Tinubu in the upcoming election. This prospect has led to a diverse range of opinions among political supporters and analysts, highlighting the divisions within the party and the electorate.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s administration is facing mounting criticism as many Nigerians grapple with the challenges posed by his economic reforms aimed at transforming the nation’s fortunes. While some are optimistic about these changes, others are growing increasingly impatient with the pace at which they are being implemented, leading some to contemplate voting out the former governor of Lagos State.

Within just two years of his administration, Tinubu’s policies have begun to take effect in various sectors, but the public is yearning for more immediate solutions to pressing issues such as poverty and economic instability.

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Should Jonathan decide to enter the race and secure victory in the 2027 elections, he could bring about significant shifts in policies that might counteract Tinubu’s reforms, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences for the nation.

Several key policies that could be impacted by such a change in leadership are currently under discussion.

Education and Social Welfare
Data released by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) show that within just 12 months, the government under the Tinubu-led administration was able to give over 550,000 with a N56.85 billion disbursement as of April 2025.
Similarly, an $800 million cash transfer programme was launched to support up to 70 million Nigerians affected by economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies.

The administration also announced a monthly N45,000 stipend for technical college students across the country.

Energy Sector Reforms
President Tinubu signed the Electricity Act into law, ending the federal monopoly in the power sector and empowering states and private entities to generate, distribute, and transmit electricity.
Data revealed that Nigeria secured the first deepwater project in over a decade, the $5 billion Bonga North Field Offshore Field, which produced 350 million barrels of crude oil. This is reflected in Tinubu’s policies to attract international investment.

Economic Indicators
Tinubu was also able to fuel an increase in the Gross Domestic Product. Nigeria’s economy experienced its strongest growth in a decade, expanding by 4.6% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by fiscal improvements and bold reforms. In 2024 alone, Nigeria achieved a balance of payments surplus of $6.83 billion, reflecting successful economic reforms and increased investor confidence.

Over $50.8 billion worth of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has overseen the signing of over $50.8 billion worth of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across critical sectors including energy, agriculture, ICT, education, transportation, healthcare, and defence. These agreements span a wide array of partners—traditional allies and emerging economies alike—reflecting a diversified, strategic, and pragmatic diplomatic approach.

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Debt Service Reduction:
The percentage of revenue spent on debt service decreased from 97% to 68%, reflecting improved fiscal management. On Wednesday, May 8, 2025, Nigeria was exempted from the list of countries indebted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), having cleared off the last tranche of its $1.61 billion debt to the multilateral institution.

Infrastructure Development

Construction commenced on the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, intended to smoothen connectivity between the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria.

In May 2024, Tinubu inaugurated the ANOH and AHL Gas Processing Plants, boosting domestic gas supply by 500 million standard cubic feet per day.

There is a lot going on in the North right now. Since former President Muhammadu Buhari died a few months ago, a lot of Northern leaders have been weighing their options.

The sudden death of Buhari, who enjoyed cult followership across the North came as a rude shock to many key Northern political players. And many have gone back to the drawing board to re-strategise.

His death has left a big vacuum. Right now, no one has been able to step into the large shoes Buhari left behind.

So, as you read this, the North has no clear leader.

So what is their plan for 2027? Some Norhern leaders like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his group want the ADC to take over and push out Tinubu. They are all members of the Coalition of Opposition groups. They are now in ADC.

But there is a 2nd group of Northerners who are more strategic in their thinking. They respect the Zoning policy.

They feel Tinubu should be encouraged to complete his 8 years so that the Presidency can come back to the North in 2031.

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The views of the 2nd group is getting increasingly popular. Their argument is that rather than take on Tinubu and look for a replacement for him why not wait, allow him do a 2nd term and prepare to take over after his tenure.

The very supportive role that Tinubu played during the burial of Buhari has earned him tremendous respect and admiration from key players in the North.

The Emir of Daura, Alhaja Faruk Umar Faruk commended Tinubu’s significant support for the Buhari family, before and during the burial of Buhari. The 94 year old reverred traditional ruler was so impressed at Tinubu’s role, he could not hide it. He is the head of Daura Emirate of Katsina State. He became the 60th Emir of Daura on 28th February 2007.

The Emir threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the president’s exemplary show of honor during the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Emir publicly endorsed President Tinubu, praising his leadership and expressing gratitude for the befitting state burial accorded to Buhari.

He has received condolence visits from prominent figures, including the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and other government officials.

But what is the significance of this endorsement?

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Political analyst say the Emir’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 holds significant weight due to the Emir’s influential position and respect in Northern Nigeria.

As a revered traditional ruler, the Emir’s endorsement can possibly sway the opinions and decisions of his subjects, potentially influencing voting patterns in the region.

The endorsement is a show of support from the Northern region, which could impact the dynamics of the 2027 presidential election.

The Emir’s endorsement is perceived as a form of legitimation, lending credibility to President Tinubu’s re-election bid and potentially boosting his popularity.

The Emir’s support could be seen as a sign of respect and approval from traditional institutions in Nigeria.

So, the Emir’s endorsement is likely to have some impact on the political landscape in the Northern region.

How can this endorsement help Pres. Tinubu?

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Many think the Emir of Daura’s endorsement can significantly boost President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Here’s why:

As a revered traditional ruler in Northern Nigeria, the Emir’s endorsement carries substantial weight, potentially swaying voters in the region to support Tinubu.

Emir’s praise for Tinubu’s leadership and gesture of respect during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s burial lends credibility to Tinubu’s campaign, portraying him as a leader who commands respect from traditional institutions.

The Emir’s symbolic act of leading a chant of “Tinubu, Tinubu, Tinubu in 2027” demonstrates his commitment to Tinubu’s re-election bid and may inspire loyalty among his subjects.

The endorsement signals a continued alliance between the Daura Emirate and Tinubu’s administration, potentially strengthening Tinubu’s support base in the North.

With the Emir’s backing, Tinubu’s re-election bid may gain momentum, especially in the North, where traditional leaders often play a significant role in shaping public opinion.

The Emir of Daura’s endorsement has been seen as a strategic boost to Tinubu’s re-election campaign, highlighting the importance of traditional leaders in Nigerian politics.

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Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya has also commended President Bola Tinubu. And it’s not just a simple praise. Yahaya, who chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, has declared that Northern Nigeria will support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Yahaya believes Tinubu has kept his promises to the North, citing major federal projects underway in the region, such as:

Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, which is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing transportation and economic activities.

There is also the Kano-Katsina-Maradi Rail Line which is a vital rail project connecting major cities in the North.

Kaduna Refinery Rehabilitation which is a crucial project for energy security and economic growth.

There is also Kolmani Oilfields Drilling which is an initiative to boost oil production and economic development.

Yahaya acknowledges the challenges posed by Tinubu’s economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates. However, he believes these policies are necessary for long-term economic stability.

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Yahaya’s endorsement is significant, given his position as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum. His support could sway opinions in the North, potentially influencing voting patterns in the 2027 presidential election.

So, Governor Yahaya’s commendation is seem as a strategic boost to President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, highlighting the importance of fulfilling campaign promises and delivering tangible results to key regions.

Some others believe that Yahaya’s declaration that Northern Nigeria will support Tinubu’s re-election bid can sway opinions in the region, potentially influencing voting patterns. The North’s overwhelming support for Tinubu in 2023, contributing over 60% of his winning votes, makes this endorsement crucial.

Yahaya praised Tinubu’s administration for delivering on key electoral promises to the North, citing projects like the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, and rehabilitation of the Kaduna refinery. This lends credibility to Tinubu’s campaign, portraying him as a leader who keeps his promises.

With Yahaya’s backing, Tinubu’s re-election bid will gain momentum, especially in the North. The governor’s assurance that Gombe people will “follow him to the battlefield blindfolded” demonstrates the enthusiasm and loyalty Tinubu has generated.

The endorsement highlights the strategic alliance between the North and Tinubu’s administration, which could stabilize Nigeria’s unity and promote national development. Yahaya emphasized the North’s strength lies in its unity with all of Nigeria.

In terms of infrastructural development there are key projects like Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, and inter-state road networks

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There is also Agricultural Investments like Agriculture value chain investments targeting northern states and creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development

There is Energy Security like the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline and drilling activities in the Kolmani oilfields

In the area of Security, over 300 bandit kingpins and terrorist commanders neutralized through coordinated operations and improved intelligence gathering.

So Will the North support President Tinubu as we move close to 2027?

Many think the North’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 seems very likely, given recent statements from many prominent Northern leaders.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu says Pres. Tinubu has done a lot in the North. He has noted a significant reduction in Boko Haram attacks, banditry, and communal conflicts in the North under Tinubu’s administration.

Some Northern politicians believe that supporting Tinubu in 2027 is a strategic move to reclaim the Presidency in 2031, based on an unwritten agreement on rotational presidency between the North and South.

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However, not all Northern leaders are unanimous in their support, with some expressing concerns over marginalization and skewed governance priorities. Despite these concerns, the endorsement from Governor Yahaya and other prominent figures suggests that the North may indeed support Tinubu’s re-election bid .

-City people

In the last few months, there have been rising agitations from several parts of the south east directed to the President.

Many of the Igbos have not been happy with the President. They are very angry.

They insist the eastern region has been abandoned and deliberately neglected. And for this reason, they have vowed to vote massively against the ruling party come 2027 just like they did in 2023.

While some south easterners believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fair to the Igbos, putting in place impressive infrastructure that many found unprecedented considering that the region totally voted against him during the 2023 presidential election, others do not see anything significant that government has done.

Interestingly, quite a handful of Igbo personalities have made concerted efforts to explain the fact of the situation to their people and show to them the many things the president has done for the Igbos in the last two years. Leading the charge for the Igbos support for the President come 2027 is the Minister for Works, Dave Umahi. He has taken advantage of every opportunity available to him to present facts to the Igbos showing that they have in no way been marginalised under the President Tinubu led administration. He consistyently lists out major infrastructural projects going on in different parts of the east. Others like Anambra state governor, Charles Soludo, Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, have also been consistent in their call for Igbos to support and embrace the President on account of the remrkable things he has done for the region within the last two years that he assumed office. But to those who have expressed in clear terms their dislike for the president, none of these explanations holds water.

The latest Igbo personality to come out to speak passionately to his kinsmen is celebrated Nollywood Icon, Zack Orji. He also recently joined the list of Igbo prominent personalities persuading the easterners and Nigerians at large to support the government of President Tinubu. Expectedly, this very profound call for support of Mr. President by Zack Orji has not gone down well with the Igbos but he does not seem to mind. This, indeed, is not the first time he would be coming out to solicit support for the President. And with the video having gone viral, it is understandable the volume of scathing attacks the celebrated actor has come under in the last few days from his own people.

In the said video, Zack Orji began by greeting Nigerians. He then went on to state his mission: “It is 55 and a half years since the Nigerian civil war ended and for the first time since the war ended in the history of this country, a president in the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set up the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) along with its subsidiary, the Southeast Investment Company, with a take-off capital of N150 billion.”

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“Today, the Southeast has a Minister of Works for the first time in the person of His Excellency Engineer David Umahi, former governor of Ebonyi State. President Tinubu has also approved the allocation of three billion dollars for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the long-abandoned eastern rail line corridor, to boost transport and economic activity.”

He went further. “In the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the era of infrastructure marginalisation, isolation and neghlect is over, marking the beginning of a new chapter of transformation, inclusion and nationwide connectivity.”

“The Southeast today is witnessing a new wave of federal attention and infrastructure development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The main objectives of the Southeast Development Commission are to drive sustainable growth, promote investment, support infrastructure development and improve the standard of living in the Southeast region.”

“And the overall vision is to position the Southeast as the preferred investment destination in Africa by 2035. The President’s Southeast Superhighway project is another landmark legacy project that will end infrastructure marginalisation in the Southeast. Ladies and gentlemen, the Bible says in the book of John 8.32, Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. And in the book of Isaiah 1.18, the Bible says, come now and let us reason together”, Orji noted.

The celebrated actor continued: “These landmark legacy projects in the south east truly encapsulate the three ‘R’ concept which was voiced soon after the Nigerian civil war, that is Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation. In addition to south easdt region, there are other landmark projects going on in other geopolitical regions of this country. What can we say in respect of all of these? Fellow Nigerians, relax, President Tinubu is fixing Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, well done and we appreciate you big time. May God almighty continue to keep you, inspire you, strengthen you, sustain you, lift you and perfect and embellish everything that concerns you and your dreams and aspirations for this country in the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour.”

Those who have been following closely the infrastructural developments steadily taking place in the east have come out to applaud the effort of Zack Orji. They agree with him totally that the President has not done badly for the south east in only two years.

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, also recently echoed the sentiments of Zack Orji and Umahi. He says President Bola Tinubu is the only commander-in-chief to remember the Igbo ethnic group since the civil war.

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“The president has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo,” Kalu said. Yakubu Gowon, former military ruler, launched the three Rs programme — reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration — to heal and rebuild the country after the civil war which lasted from July 6, 1967 to January 13, 1970.

Kalu said the reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration of the south-east has just started with the establishment of the SEDC.

“He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development. He signed the SEDC bill into law so that the damage caused by the civil war will be rebuilt,” the deputy speaker added.

“As the leader of our party, he has asked us to galvanise the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development that he is bringing to Igbo land.”

It must also be noted that, contrary to the narrative that only about five Igbos havbe been appointed into different positions under President Tinubu, there are actually about seventeen Igbos in the government. And for the first time in the history of Nigeria, the South east has been given a top ministerial position such as the Minister of Works held by Dave Umahi. Below is the full list of appointments from the South East:

(1) Dr. Doris Anite Uzoka-Minister of State for Finance (2) Bianca Ojukwu-Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (3) Nkeiru Onyejiocha-Minister of State for Labour (4) Sen. Dave Umahi-Minister of Works (5) Dr. Uche Nnaji-Minister of Science and Technology (6) Uzoma Nwagba- MD, Credicorp (7) Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka-Managing Director, Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (8) Adesua Dozie-Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, NNPCL (9) Hon. Mark Okoye-MD/CEO, South-East Development Commission (SEDC) (10) Philip Ikeazor -Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability, CBN (11) Sophia Mbakwe -Executive Vice President of Business Services, NNPCL (12) Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu-Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment (13) Chioma Nweze -SSAP on Community Engagement (14) Kingsley Stanley Nkwocha-SSA to the President, Media and Communication (Office of VP) (15) Kingsley Uzoma-SSA to the President on Agribusiness & Productivity Enhancement (Office of VP) (16) Mr. Fredrick Nwabufo-SSA to the President on Public Engagement.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the region is also enjoying huge transformation in terms of road infrastructure. The Minister of Works has been busy overseeing massive road projects going on in the several parts of the East.

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The Minister himself, at several fora, has hailed the impact of President Bola Tinubu in the Southeast and the entire country in general.

He credited Tinubu with reversing years of federal neglect in the Southeast.

“Before now, many Southeast states had no federal projects. But today, the federal presence is visible across the region. That is true national integration,” Umahi said.

For instance, the 107 km dual-carriage Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is being reconstructed under MTN’s Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment (Tax Credit) Scheme. Initially delayed due to cost variations, the project is now progressing, with construction 50-70% complete as of March 25, 2025.

The Federal Ministry of Works has set a May 10, 2026, deadline for completion. The project is expected to enhance connectivity and boost economic activities in the Southeast region. The Minister of Works has emphasized that MTN will be held accountable for any structural failures, ensuring RCC Company Nig. Ltd. adheres strictly to contract terms, with no cost variations allowed unless contractually justified.

The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway connects Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Imo, and Rivers, strengthening regional trade and mobility.

The 56.10-kilometre Umuahia-Aba section (Section II) is undergoing rehabilitation and reconstruction, with the Federal Government setting a June 2025 completion deadline. Minister of Works David Umahi has instructed Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. to complete earthworks by April 2025, with only two kilometres of earthwork and four kilometres of asphalt work remaining.

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Umahi revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made adequate budgetary provisions in the 2024 and 2025 budgets to ensure the project’s timely completion.

The aforementioned is the reason why many do not agree with persons from the south east who claim the President has done nothing for the south east. But the imprints of the government in several parts of the region appear unhidden, crystal clear, yet unseen and unappreciated by many Ndigbo. Some say the president is gradually winning the Igbos over. Others disagree. They insist even if the president lines up the streets of the eastern region with gold and massive infrastructure, it is a waste of time because the Igbos have their preferred choice of president. No matter what the President does, they will not give him their votes. But 2027 is still fairly a long time away, there is still time for the Tinubu administration to prove to the Igbos that they have nothing to fear, that they are under the care of a president who loves them just as he does his own people.

– WALE LAWAL (08037209290)