By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised former political leaders and opposition figures, accusing them of deceiving Nigerians despite their past failures in office.
Wike’s remarks come amid the unveiling of a new political coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The coalition, which has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 elections, was launched on Wednesday in Abuja.
The group announced former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim secretary. Other members include ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), and Sule Lamido (Jigawa).
“They Failed When They Had Power”
Speaking at a media parley, Wike vowed to continue exposing what he described as the failures of those now positioning themselves as Nigeria’s saviours. According to him, the root of public discontent lies not with the present administration but with years of poor governance by many of those now rallying under the coalition.
“Nigerians were not angry when some of these people held power. They became angry when those individuals had nothing to show for their years in office,” Wike said.
He questioned the sincerity of former ministers, vice presidents, governors, and lawmakers now seeking to “rescue” Nigeria after holding key positions without meaningful impact.
“You were minister for eight years, yet the country’s debt burden grew. Now you talk of public anger. Is that anger caused by the current government or the damage you left behind?” Wike asked, taking a direct swipe at David Mark.
“Recycled Faces, Hollow Coalitions”
Wike accused the coalition of manipulating public sentiment for political gain. He dismissed attempts to rally former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi around a single platform, calling the move insincere.
He asked, “If those who led Nigeria into this mess are now the ones saying they want to save it, what credibility do they have?”
He further alleged that some of the same individuals undermined internal democracy within the PDP, resorting to court actions when party structures didn’t favour them.
He added: “The same people who frustrated internal democracy in PDP are the ones talking about rebuilding Nigeria. They ran to court to stop party processes when they couldn’t hijack them. Now they’re crying foul and saying Nigerians are angry.”
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“We Deserve Better Than Empty Promises”
Defending his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike praised President Bola Tinubu for taking “tough but necessary” decisions to stabilise the country.
“The president is taking difficult but necessary decisions. Without those steps, the economy could have collapsed. States are getting more funds, infrastructure is improving, yet they say Nigerians are angry,” he said.
Taking aim at former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, who also joined the coalition, Wike asked, “You held that office for eight years; what did you do about corruption or insecurity? Don’t show up now pretending to be a saint.”
While acknowledging the PDP’s potential to challenge the ruling party, Wike said the opposition remains weakened by internal divisions and self-interest.
He further challenged the coalition group to show Nigerians what they achieved while in power. “Nigerians deserve more than empty promises and recycled alliances,” he stated.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.