Wike Challenges ASUU Over UniAbuja Land Dispute, Backs Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid in Rivers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to justify its opposition to the reallocation of portions of the University of Abuja’s land, insisting that the union has no authority over land administration in the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike spoke on Thursday during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he dismissed ASUU’s threat to embark on industrial action over the disputed land allocation.

The minister argued that land administration and enforcement of the Abuja master plan fell within the statutory responsibilities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), questioning the union’s authority to challenge the government’s decision.

“What is the business of ASUU on our land? How is ASUU the owner of land? Is ASUU the owner of the union in Nigeria now? Is it the union’s right?” he asked.

Wike also questioned why the university should retain a large expanse of land, reportedly measuring 11,824 hectares, without what he considered adequate development. He argued that portions of the land could be put to productive use in line with the FCT’s development plans.

He maintained that the administration was prepared to defend its decision in court if challenged, but warned ASUU against using the threat of a strike to pressure the government.

The dispute followed a warning by the Chairman of the ASUU University of Abuja chapter, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, that the union could no longer guarantee industrial harmony on campus if the minister failed to reverse the disputed allocations in the Giri District.

ASUU has argued that the land originally allocated to the university was needed for future expansion, agricultural research and infrastructure development. The union described the reallocation as an encroachment on the institution’s property.

Wike, however, insisted that land allocations within the FCT remained subject to the regulatory authority of the administration.

The minister also addressed political issues in Rivers State, expressing confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure the state in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Wike urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including its governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda, and other candidates seeking legislative positions.

He cautioned residents against supporting a governorship aspirant from the area contesting on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), arguing that the party lacked the political strength to win the election.

“I know one of your sons is running for governor under the NDC. We want our son to be governor, but we must be realistic. As it is today, he cannot be under that party. It is not possible,” Wike said.

He also dismissed the prospect of opposition parties presenting a strong challenge to Tinubu in 2027, citing the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party and difficulties in building a viable opposition coalition.

“Talking about the crisis in the PDP, I have said it will be difficult for us to present a credible presidential candidate that can challenge this election. Therefore, there is no need to bother ourselves. Let us continue to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Defending the President’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, Wike described the decision as an example of courageous leadership. He acknowledged that the policies had imposed hardship on Nigerians but maintained that the sacrifices would be temporary and necessary to reposition the economy.

The minister also claimed that Rivers State had secured at least 47 federal appointments under the Tinubu administration, describing the figure as higher than what the state received under previous administrations.

He identified the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road as another major benefit to Rivers State, saying the project had improved road access for communities that previously depended on water transportation.

Wike further credited his tenure as Rivers governor with road and bridge construction, rehabilitation of public facilities and recognition of traditional rulers in Abonnema and neighbouring communities.

He criticised the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, arguing that social media popularity and public displays of humility were not sufficient qualifications for the presidency.

“If it is to vote for who will be the president of social media, vote for Obi. But when you are talking about the President of Nigeria, no. This country requires leadership,” he said.

Wike urged residents to support APC candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections, while the Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Aboiya Bob-Fubara, pledged to continue mobilising support for Tinubu and other APC candidates.

Meanwhile, Wike declined to comment on opposition to the Rainbow Coalition in Imo State and other parts of the country, saying he would address his disagreements with Governor Hope Uzodimma after the presidential election.