Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has condemned the leaders of the newly formed opposition coalition, accusing them of prioritizing their own ambitions over the well-being of Nigerians.
Addressing a thanksgiving service for completed FCT projects, Wike targeted several prominent coalition members many of whom are former public officials for their inconsistent political history and poor governance records.
He pointed to their repeated party switches as proof they lack genuine commitment to the people.
“In 1999, you belonged to one party. Then 2006, 2014, 2019, and now 2025 you keep hopping parties. Who are you really trying to save? It’s your own interests, not Nigerians’.”
Wike also questioned the democratic legacy of ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, recalling that during Obi’s eight-year tenure as governor, no local government elections were held. “Is that democracy?” he asked.
He challenged other coalition leaders to evaluate their accomplishments in office, comparing them to his own eight years as Senate President, during which he admittedly failed to deliver basic infrastructure to his local area. “What kind of Nigeria do you claim to want to rescue?” he questioned.
Wike accused these former officials of ignoring widespread public frustration despite their lengthy time in power. He criticized the ex-Minister of Transportation for leaving behind huge debts from China, warning “You mortgaged the future of Nigerians.”
He also held past Attorneys General responsible for recurring corruption scandals and lamented the inefficiency under previous Interior Ministers, citing slow international passport processing as a stark contrast to the improved services now available to ordinary citizens.
Appealing to Christians to back President Bola Tinubu’s government, Wike urged them to reject politicians who have squandered opportunities to advance Nigeria. “Forget those who have lost their chance to fix things they won’t get another.”
Wike concluded by declaring that the opposition coalition has lost political relevance: “They refuse to stay out of power, yet they have remained out and won’t be returning.”
The coalition, running on the African Democratic Congress platform for the 2027 elections, includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, ex-governors Rauf Aregbesola and Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark.
Advertisement
