Wike Attacks NBA Conference, Defends Political Participation of EFCC-Linked Figures

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association over its recent conference, accusing the association of giving political figures a platform despite what he described as troubling records on the rule of law.

Wike described the conference as a “flop”, arguing that the NBA should be more concerned about defending the legal profession, protecting the judiciary and promoting the rule of law rather than allowing its platform to become heavily involved in political discussions.

The minister’s criticism was particularly directed at the decision to give former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi a prominent role at the conference.

Wike questioned the decision to invite Amaechi, alleging that his administration in Rivers State undermined the judiciary and left people unable to obtain justice through the courts.

He claimed that the courts in Rivers State were shut for a prolonged period during Amaechi’s tenure and alleged that the situation affected people awaiting judicial intervention in their cases.

According to Wike, the NBA should have considered such issues before giving Amaechi a platform at an event where lawyers were expected to discuss the rule of law and the state of justice in Nigeria.

The criticism is coming against the background of the long-running political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, who governed Rivers State at different periods and have remained on opposing sides of the political divide.

Amaechi is now part of the opposition’s 2027 presidential arrangement as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while Wike remains a PDP member serving as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Wike also questioned the political strength of the Atiku-Amaechi ticket, arguing that the former vice president could face difficulties securing enough support in the South if Tinubu succeeds in maintaining strong backing in the North.

His comments come as Atiku and other opposition politicians continue efforts to build a coalition capable of challenging Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The minister believes the opposition still has significant political hurdles to overcome, particularly around regional support, unity and the ability of its different political interests to remain together until election day.

Wike also used the controversy surrounding former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu to make a wider argument about political participation and investigations by anti-corruption agencies.

Edu was included in the APC’s campaign structure despite being linked to an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, a decision that has attracted criticism in some quarters.

Wike argued that an EFCC investigation does not automatically strip a person of the right to participate in politics or campaign for a candidate.

He stressed that there is a difference between being investigated for an alleged offence and being convicted by a court, saying an allegation or investigation should not automatically be treated as proof of guilt.

The minister’s position was that even where a person is facing an investigation, that alone should not be used to prevent the individual from canvassing votes or taking part in political activities.

His argument has added another dimension to the debate over Edu’s role in the 2027 campaign and the broader question of how political parties should treat members facing corruption investigations.

Wike’s position is that the rule of law must also protect the rights of people who have not been convicted, while investigations should be allowed to continue without political interference.

The issue has become particularly sensitive because the NBA, as an association of lawyers, is expected to play a leading role in defending due process, judicial independence and equal application of the law.

For Wike, however, the NBA appears to have contradicted that responsibility by giving a platform to people he believes have not always demonstrated sufficient respect for those same principles.

His criticism of Amaechi and the NBA therefore comes at the same time as his defence of the political rights of people facing unresolved investigations, creating a broader argument about law, justice, political participation and accountability.

Wike has also continued to challenge Atiku’s prospects ahead of 2027, suggesting that the former vice president’s political calculations may not translate into the nationwide support required to defeat an incumbent president.

With the election still ahead, the minister’s latest remarks have further exposed the growing divisions between political camps and the increasingly sharp arguments over who has the credibility to speak about democracy, the rule of law and good governance.

The NBA conference, which was expected to focus largely on legal and professional issues, has consequently become another stage for Nigeria’s emerging 2027 political battle, with Wike using the occasion to question Amaechi’s record, Atiku’s prospects and the NBA’s choice of political voices.