The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, was angry and disappointed after President Bola Tinubu chose Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2023 elections.
Wike made the revelation during a recent interview on Channels Television’s programme *Politics Today*, where he disclosed that Lawal personally visited him in Port Harcourt to express his frustration over the vice-presidential choice.
“When the president chose his running mate, Babachir Lawal came to visit me in Port Harcourt. He was visibly upset,” Wike said. “His anger was that he believed President Tinubu should have picked him as vice president. When that didn’t happen, he became very bitter.”
According to Wike, Lawal’s continued public criticism of the Tinubu administration is less about governance and more about personal disappointment. He said Lawal’s statements calling the government “unapproachable” and labelling the president “arrogant” are politically motivated and disrespectful.
“If Babachir had real concerns with the government, he should have used the proper channels to speak to the president, not make public attacks,” Wike added.
In the months following Tinubu’s emergence as president, Lawal has become increasingly critical of the administration. He has accused the government of ignoring advice, lacking inclusiveness, and being arrogant in its approach to leadership.
But the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has pushed back, saying Lawal’s criticisms are driven by bitterness over not being selected as vice president. Wike’s comments now appear to confirm those claims, adding another layer to the political drama that has unfolded within the APC since 2023.
Wike defended Tinubu’s leadership style and explained that it is impossible for everyone to have direct access to the president. He advised Nigerians to approach ministers and other appointed officials when they have complaints or suggestions.
“Not everyone can go straight to the president,” Wike said. “If your concern is about the FCT, you come to me, not the president. That’s how government works.”
He also addressed national issues like security and the economy. According to him, Tinubu’s economic reforms are already showing signs of success, with fewer states relying on federal bailouts. He noted that Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts have gained support from international partners such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
On the opposition, Wike criticised what he described as unrealistic promises. He took aim at former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, now with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying opposition figures often make bold claims without a plan for real implementation.
“You hear people promising to end corruption in one month. That’s not how governance works,” Wike said. “We’ve seen how those who talk big usually leave behind failed projects and broken systems.”
The controversy over Tinubu’s choice of running mate in 2023 had stirred debate within the party. The decision to pick Shettima, a former Borno State governor, raised issues of religious balance, as both Tinubu and Shettima are Muslims. Some party members expected a Christian candidate from the North to be selected, and Babachir Lawal was among those widely believed to be in the running.
Lawal, who served as SGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was removed from office after allegations of corruption involving funds meant for humanitarian aid in the North-East. That scandal continues to shadow his political career and may explain why Tinubu opted for another candidate.
Analysts believe Wike’s revelations highlight the level of personal ambition and disappointment that often influence political actions in Nigeria. They suggest Lawal’s public outbursts are less about holding government accountable and more about personal grievances over being sidelined.
Wike’s comments offer insight into behind-the-scenes tensions within the APC, showing how internal rivalries continue to shape the party’s political direction. With Tinubu’s administration focused on reforms and national development, observers say managing discontent among former allies like Lawal will remain a challenge.
