The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over controversies that followed their congresses and primary elections, saying the developments have exposed the parties’ claims of offering a better political alternative.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the opposition parties had long accused established parties such as the APC and PDP of imposing candidates on members, only to become entangled in similar disputes.
‘What Has Happened to the New Saviours?’
According to the former Rivers State governor, some opposition parties projected themselves as agents of political change and champions of internal democracy, but recent events have raised questions about those claims.
“You hear people talk about a particular party not doing something and promise that they are going to change the pattern. “You have accused the APC of imposition and the PDP of imposition,” he said.
“Now you have formed a new party, a new baby, a righteous baby. The messiah, the saviour that would come, what has happened now? ”
Wike Cites ADC, NDC Controversies
Wike pointed to disputes that emerged during the ADC and NDC congresses and primary elections, arguing that they contradicted the parties’ public image.
“ADC said they are the new face of democracy; they said it’s the kind of party that has not been polluted. What has happened is so dirty,” he said.
“See what is happening in NDC. As small as they are, they cannot conduct a primary without protest.”
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The minister also referred to objections raised by aspirants during the ADC presidential primary, where former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen challenged the outcome, citing alleged irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.
“Look at ADC, which said it’s a coalition to take over. While the congress was going on, two presidential aspirants came out to say they could not believe what was happening and described it as criminality of the highest order. That tells you who is deceiving whom,” Wike said.
‘Nigerians Now Know’
Wike argued that the controversies have given voters an opportunity to judge political parties by their actions rather than their campaign promises.
“Nigerians now know that you are all liars,” he said.
The FCT minister maintained that older political parties, despite their shortcomings, have acquired experience in managing Nigeria’s political realities.
“My assessment is that I prefer the old parties that are already there. They have been tested and understand the Nigerian political culture,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with several opposition parties seeking to position themselves as alternatives to the ruling APC.
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.