Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown a direct challenge to leaders of the newly adopted opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging them to showcase their performance in previous public offices rather than criticise the current administration.
Wike made the remarks in response to the growing momentum of the ADC-led coalition, which includes prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Reacting to the adoption of ADC as the coalition’s platform for the 2027 general election, Wike questioned the timing and sincerity of the movement, noting that its formation began barely six months after President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
“Somebody came into office and in six months, they started a coalition saying that the man has not performed,” he said.
Describing the coalition as politically opportunistic, Wike accused its leaders of failing to deliver during their own time in office.
“You had the opportunity to be Senate President for eight years, you were Speaker for four years, you were Minister of Transportation for eight years yet you didn’t make Nigerians happy,” he said.
He slammed what he called the hypocrisy and desperation of the opposition figures, claiming they now seek to exploit public discontent to return to power.
“Because you have left office, you are angry. You’re now saying Nigerians are angry. What kind of people are you? Show your scorecard. God gave you an opportunity, but you refused to make Nigerians happy,” Wike stated.
Delivering a strong warning, the former Rivers State governor declared that the coalition’s ambition to return to power would fail.
“You want to come back to power? You won’t come back. You will not come back to power,” he declared.
Wike’s remarks add to the rising political temperature ahead of the 2027 elections, as the ADC coalition continues to attract high-profile defections and position itself as a united opposition front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
