Wike Derides ADC-Led Opposition Coalition, Asks them to “Stop Using Nigerians for Personal Politics”
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has launched a blistering attack on the newly formed opposition coalition spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing its leaders as “expired politicians” seeking personal political revival rather than genuine national progress.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Thursday evening, Wike accused prominent members of the coalition — including former Senate President David Mark, ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi — of exploiting public frustration for their own ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Stop using Nigerians for your personal affairs,” Wike declared, in reference to the coalition’s promise to “rescue Nigeria.”
He dismissed the alliance as a desperate regrouping of politicians who had failed the country when they were in power. According to him, many of the coalition figures have held top government positions for years with little to show in terms of meaningful development or reform.
“David Mark said they want to rescue Nigeria. As Senate President, what did he do for Otukpo, his own hometown? There was no single project there,” Wike said. He continued, “Amaechi was Minister of Transportation, Tambuwal was Speaker. What did they do that would make Nigerians not be angry today?”
Wike also challenged the opposition to show Nigerians their individual scorecards. He questioned their moral authority to promise national change when they failed to deliver in positions of power.
“You can’t wake up now and claim to be Nigeria’s savior just because you’re no longer in office. If you had performed when you had the opportunity, we wouldn’t be in this mess,” he said.
The ADC-led coalition, announced earlier this week, claims to be building a credible third force to challenge both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the divided Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But Wike dismissed the effort as disorganized and lacking a clear agenda.
“These are failed and expired politicians. There’s no direction, no unity of purpose. What are they even offering that’s new?” he asked.
While Wike criticized the APC on previous occasions, his remarks on Thursday suggested that he sees the ADC coalition as an even weaker alternative. He insisted that only a reformed and united PDP has the structure and national reach to take on the APC in 2027 — a veiled message to his own party to put its house in order.
Wike’s comments also carried a warning to Nigerian voters not to be misled by rhetoric or anti-government sentiment that lacks substance.
“Just because you have issues with someone in government doesn’t mean you should hide behind Nigerians to settle personal scores. If we’re serious about Nigeria, let’s address the issues with honesty, not propaganda,” he said.
His remarks have sparked reactions across political circles, with supporters of the opposition coalition accusing him of trying to undermine unity efforts. However, Wike remains unapologetic, asserting that his statements are rooted in a demand for sincerity and results, not just political slogans.
As Nigeria gears up for another charged electoral cycle, Wike’s message cuts to the heart of the ongoing battle for credibility among the political elite. Whether his criticism will fracture opposition momentum or provoke a more unified response remains to be seen.
