Wike Claims Role in Osun LG Funds Legal Battle, Cautions APC Leaders on Political Loyalty
By Enemona Samuel Endurance
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he played a behind-the-scenes role in legal developments that affected the release of local government funds to Osun State.
Wike made the remarks during a public address in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in a video that has since circulated widely on social media.
Remarks Linked to Osun Local Government Funds Case
The former Rivers State governor suggested that influential political actors supported court processes that ultimately worked in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the legal dispute over Osun State’s local government allocations.
The lawsuit resulted in the temporary withholding of funds meant for local councils in Osun State, a development that was widely interpreted as politically sensitive, given that the state is governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike alleged that certain APC leaders benefitted from these legal outcomes without fully acknowledging the political support that facilitated them.
Warning to APC Leadership
In his address, the FCT minister cautioned APC leaders against what he described as political ingratitude, urging them not to take support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for granted.
He advised party officials to exercise restraint in their public statements, particularly on sensitive political matters involving Rivers State.
Wike’s comments were widely interpreted as a response to recent remarks by the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who had questioned Wike’s involvement in Rivers State political affairs.
Basiru’s Response and Party Position
Earlier, Senator Basiru had called on Wike to resign his ministerial appointment, arguing that the FCT minister, not being a member of the APC, lacked the standing to interfere in the party’s internal affairs.
Basiru maintained that governors remain the political leaders of their respective states within the APC and said his comments were made in his capacity as the party’s national secretary.
He also stressed that his responsibilities are national in scope and not limited to Osun State, dismissing claims that his position amounted to undue interference.
Supreme Court Judgment on Osun LG Funds
On December 5, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered judgments on the dispute over Osun State’s local government allocations.
In its majority decision, the apex court faulted the Osun State Government for instituting the suit without proper authorisation from the affected local councils, ruling that only duly elected and inaugurated council officials had the legal standing to initiate such action.
However, the court also criticised the Federal Government for withholding the funds, describing the action as capable of disrupting local governance.
A minority opinion disagreed with the majority ruling, arguing that the Osun State Attorney General had the authority to file the suit and that the withholding of funds was inappropriate.
The legal and political implications of the case continue to generate debate across party lines.
