Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised the alarm over what he describes as a scandalous spree of land grabbing, corruption, and abuse of office allegedly orchestrated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—and the deafening silence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the face of these serious allegations.
In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja, Frank cited reports by People’s Gazette and revelations from Senator Ireti Kingibe which detail a disturbing pattern of land mismanagement, revocations, and illegal allocations under Wike’s leadership.
“Wike’s alleged daily allocation of land to family, cronies, and political allies—while sidelining genuine applicants and investors—is a national disgrace and a betrayal of public trust,” Frank said.
He specifically condemned claims that Wike revoked plots allocated to a foreign embassy only to reassign them to a personal associate, branding it an open show of impunity.
Frank, who also serves as Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), warned that such conduct is not only illegal but economically destructive:
“This blatant disregard for the rule of law will drive away investors—local and foreign—and damage the credibility of Nigeria’s capital city.”
Frank questioned why President Tinubu and anti-corruption agencies have failed to act, drawing comparisons to the swifter suspension of former Minister Betta Edu.
“Mr. President, why was Betta Edu suspended over less grievous infractions while Wike, despite glaring exposés, remains untouched? Is it because you are benefiting from the scheme—or complicit by your inaction?” he asked.
He added that the President’s failure to address these allegations risks branding his administration as indifferent to corruption and protective of political allies ahead of the 2027 elections.
Frank also took aim at anti-graft and security institutions including the EFCC, ICPC, and Police, accusing them of complicity through silence. He did not spare the National Assembly, which he said has abdicated its oversight responsibilities despite its constitutional mandate over FCT matters.
“Is the National Assembly quiet because some of its members have also benefitted from Wike’s land bazaar?” he queried.
Frank described Wike’s alleged behavior as part of a long-standing pattern dating back to his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, claiming he is “one of the largest private landowners” in that state.
“How does a 95-year-old father or children who have never earned a living come to own prime Abuja real estate? This reeks of conflict of interest and corruption of the highest order,” he said.
He warned that President Tinubu’s continued silence risks turning Abuja’s natives into internally displaced persons in their own homeland.
Frank therefore demanded the immediate suspension or resignation of Wike and the establishment of an independent investigative panel to probe all land allocations since he assumed office.
“Enough is enough! Wike uses flashy projects as a smokescreen for unprecedented looting. Past FCT Ministers developed entire districts—Wuye, Jabi, Jahi—without making noise or stealing land. Why must we normalize impunity now?”
He concluded with a call for decisive action:
“Mr. President, remove Wike from office and allow him to face the law. If you fail to act, Nigerians will conclude that your administration is anchored on corruption and impunity.”