The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on the newly formed opposition coalition operating under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), branding its leaders as a collection of “failed and expired politicians.”
Wike made these remarks in response to the unveiling of the ADC as the new vehicle for the 2027 opposition coalition, a platform that includes prominent political figures such as former Senate President David Mark and former ministers from previous administrations.
Dismissing the credibility of the coalition’s leadership, Wike said, “David Mark claims they want to rescue Nigeria because Nigerians are unhappy. But he was Senate President for eight years, were Nigerians happier then? What legacy did he leave behind in his hometown, Otukpo? No major project. He flew in by helicopter while his people suffered.”
He also pointed out that Mark had previously failed in his bid to become National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before turning to the ADC. “Even his daughter contested and won a seat in the House of Representatives under the APC. What does that say about his influence?” Wike added.
The minister didn’t spare other members of the coalition either. He criticized former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of plunging Nigeria into deeper debt through Chinese loans. On former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, Wike referenced the failed Nigeria Air project, questioning what tangible benefit it brought to Nigerians.
He continued, “When these people were in government, they claimed Nigerians were happy. Now that they are out of power, they say Nigerians are angry. Was it under President Tinubu that banditry started? He’s trying to solve inherited problems, not create new ones.”
Wike also took a jab at former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, describing his recent commentary as “shameful” and questioning his contribution to national security during his tenure.
Similarly, he dismissed the credibility of former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal, saying: “Tambuwal was Speaker for four years, then governor for another eight. What did he do that should make Nigerians happy today?”
On the former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, Wike claimed his defection to the ADC was driven by personal grievances rather than ideology, alleging a fallout with his political mentor, Senator Bukola Saraki.
Despite his criticisms, Wike emphasized that only the PDP has the structure and capacity to present a formidable challenge to President Tinubu in 2027 — but only if the party can resolve its internal crisis.
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