The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come out strongly in defence of his recent reconciliation with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, while launching a blistering attack on prominent opposition figures who have criticised the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Thursday, Wike addressed recent political developments and accused some former public officeholders of hypocrisy, incompetence, and political opportunism.
Wike confirmed that he and Governor Fubara have resolved their differences, declaring that peace has returned to Rivers State. However, he noted that some individuals were displeased with the truce, alleging that they had been profiting from the crisis.
“Some people turned the Rivers political situation into an oil well for their personal gain. They are not happy that peace has returned because they can no longer draw illicit funds from it,” Wike stated.
The former Rivers governor maintained that he does not owe anyone an explanation regarding the terms of his reconciliation with Fubara. He insisted that the most important outcome is the restoration of stability in the state, not the political details behind it.
Shifting his attention to national politics, Wike condemned the recent takeover of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by a coalition of opposition figures, which includes former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Bolaji Abdullahi.
Wike described the coalition as a gathering of “expired and failed politicians” who have nothing new to offer Nigerians. He accused them of using public discontent to regain political relevance after failing to deliver results during their time in office.
“These people want to rescue Nigeria? From what exactly? From the mess they themselves created?” Wike asked.
He criticised David Mark for his performance during his tenure as Senate President, claiming that he achieved nothing for his constituency.
“David Mark says Nigerians are angry. Was he not Senate President for eight years? Were Nigerians not angry then? There was not one single project in Otukpo. He was flying helicopters home while his people had nothing. What legacy did he leave?” Wike said.
READ ALSO: Coalition: Ex-ADC national chair steps down, hands over party leadership to Mark, Aregbesola
Rotimi Amaechi, another key member of the coalition and Wike’s longtime political rival, was also heavily criticised. Wike accused him of plunging Nigeria into debt through reckless borrowing during his tenure as Minister of Transportation.
“Amaechi took Chinese loans and burdened the country with debt. Was that when Nigerians were happy? They were not angry then? It’s only now that they are angry?” Wike asked rhetorically.
He also took aim at Hadi Sirika, questioning the failed launch of the national carrier, Air Nigeria.
“What happened to Air Nigeria? That’s your legacy. And you say Nigerians were happy then?” Wike said, adding that the former aviation minister’s claims were both embarrassing and shameful.
Wike accused the opposition coalition of manipulating the emotions of Nigerians, asserting that they only raise concerns about public dissatisfaction when they are no longer in power.
“When they are in power, everything is fine. The moment they lose power, suddenly Nigerians are angry. That’s the politics they play,” he said.
He argued that history would not be kind to the coalition leaders, claiming that their past performances contributed significantly to the challenges the country now faces.
“They were in government for years. What did they do to solve Nigeria’s problems? What contribution did they make to stop insecurity or improve infrastructure? History will hold them responsible for where we are today,” Wike added.
He also accused former AGF Malami of doing little to improve Nigeria’s legal and security framework during his time in office, describing his recent comments as “foolish” and “shameful”.
On Aminu Tambuwal, Wike questioned what lasting impact the former Speaker and ex-governor of Sokoto State had made during his years in office, saying: “He was Speaker for four years and governor for eight years. What did he do to reduce anger among Nigerians?”
Wike didn’t spare Bolaji Abdullahi either, claiming his defection to the ADC was only due to his political fallout with former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
As for the state of the opposition, Wike said that only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the national structure and potential to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), provided it resolves its internal issues.
READ ALSO: Opposition joins ADC to challenge Tinubu; APC calls it ‘Dead on Arrival’
“The only party today that can truly challenge Tinubu is the PDP—if it puts its house in order. These other coalitions are just for show,” he concluded.
Throughout the media chat, Wike stopped short of directly criticising President Bola Tinubu. Instead, he defended the current administration against claims that it is responsible for the nation’s security and economic challenges, noting that many of those problems predated Tinubu’s presidency.
“Tinubu inherited these problems. He is trying to solve them. The question is, what did these former leaders do when they had the opportunity?” Wike said.
The FCT Minister’s remarks are likely to further polarise an already tense political climate, especially within the PDP and among opposition ranks.
As the 2027 elections approach, the political battlefield is heating up, and Wike has made it clear that he will not shy away from confrontation with those he believes are responsible for Nigeria’s current woes.
