Wike’s C of O revocations target opposition figures – Timi Frank alleges

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of using the revocation of Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) in Abuja as a tool to target political opponents.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Frank described the revocations, which allegedly include properties linked to prominent figures such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as a “Nollywood script” intended to mask the minister’s real motives.

“We have intelligence indicating that the list of landowners whose C of Os have purportedly been revoked is part of Wike’s strategy to intimidate members of opposition political parties and those who may challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027,” Frank said.

He noted that Buhari has denied owning the land attributed to him, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has dismissed claims of owing the FCTA. “It’s clear Wike would not dare revoke lands belonging to key officials of this administration. He’s using their names as a smokescreen to deflect criticism from his land-grabbing and demolition activities in the FCT, which have targeted poor and innocent Nigerians,” Frank added.

Frank also cited accusations by Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, who claimed Wike had granted the Certificate of Occupancy for her late husband’s estate to Saravera Nigeria Limited, allegedly linked to Kingsley Chinda, the House of Representatives Minority Leader and a known ally of Wike.

Targeting Political Opponents

Frank accused Wike of a pattern of using land revocations to punish political opponents, likening the minister’s actions to his tenure as Rivers State governor, during which he allegedly revoked land titles and demolished properties of his rivals.

“Wike is playing politics with the lives and emotions of Nigerians. He has singled out opposition members and those who supported Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara against him for land seizures and demolitions,” Frank alleged.

He warned that more revocations targeting opposition figures are imminent, particularly those who might oppose Wike or Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Criticism of Wike’s Powers

Frank also accused President Tinubu of granting Wike unchecked authority, warning that the minister’s alleged betrayals could ultimately undermine the administration.

“This is the same way Wike aligned himself with former President Goodluck Jonathan only to later betray him. If care is not taken, Tinubu could become Wike’s next victim of subterfuge,” he said.

Frank concluded by calling on opposition politicians to prepare for Wike’s “vendetta,” while urging President Tinubu to reconsider the extent of power delegated to the FCT minister.