The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized opposition politicians for forming a coalition just 18 months after President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023—barely six months into his administration.
Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the Aguma Palace–New Market–Radio Nigeria road in Gwagwalada, Wike challenged the coalition members—who recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform for the 2027 elections—to show Nigerians what they have accomplished while in office instead of claiming widespread public dissatisfaction.
“I never knew people were so pained, given the many projects underway in the FCT. Last night, I watched Politics Today and saw a presidential aspirant from the coalition, an industrialist, so angry that the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation are commissioning projects. Yet, they claim Nigerians are angry,” Wike said.
He questioned the timing of the coalition’s formation: “You started this coalition 18 months ago, when Mr. President had only been in office for six months. When will you stop deceiving Nigerians? How can you claim poor performance when the administration was barely six months old?”
Wike accused coalition leaders—including former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former Senate President David Mark—of being bitter over losing power. He challenged them to present their records of achievement.
“Everyone should show their scorecard. When I was Senate President, I asked myself how I helped Benue State and Otukpo. We’ve been in office here for just 16 days, and we’re already showing results,” he said.
“God gave you the opportunity to serve Nigerians, yet you refused. Now that you’re out of office, you claim Nigerians are angry. No, you’re angry because you lost power. You want to return, but you won’t.”
Wike also criticized the coalition’s support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of constantly switching political parties since 1999.
“In 2023, they pledged to support a man whose political career since 1999 has been marked by jumping from one party to another—1999, 2006, 2014, 2019, and now forming another coalition in 2025. Were you born into coalition?” Wike asked sarcastically.