By Kogi News Tribune | July 6, 2025
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on leaders of the newly formed opposition coalition, accusing them of political opportunism and personal ambition rather than a genuine desire to serve Nigerians.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service organized to mark the completion of projects by the FCT Administration, Wike criticized key figures in the coalition—many of whom are former high-ranking officeholders—for their repeated defection across political parties and failure to deliver when entrusted with power.
“These are the same people who have jumped from one party to another every election cycle,” Wike said. “From 1999 to 2006, 2014, 2019, and now 2025—every time, they switch allegiance. Who are they trying to rescue? Certainly not Nigerians. They are out to rescue their stomachs.”
Wike condemned what he described as the hypocrisy of former leaders who, despite holding power for several years, now claim to understand the plight of Nigerians. Without naming names directly, the minister referenced individuals who had served as governors, ministers, and lawmakers over extended periods.
“Someone was Speaker for eight years, governor for another eight, and then served eight more years as minister. Now, just two years out of office, he says Nigerians are angry? Nigerians are angry with you. During your time, you borrowed massively and left the country heavily indebted,” Wike stated.
The minister also took aim at the record of former government officials involved in the coalition, alleging widespread mismanagement and incompetence in public service.
“You were Attorney General for eight years, and all we have are judgment debts and international embarrassment over corruption. You were Minister of Interior, yet citizens waited months to get a passport,” he said. “Now, a young minister comes in and fixes it in hours. That’s the difference.”
Wike urged Nigerians—especially the Christian community—to remain patient and supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He insisted that those now positioning themselves as national saviors had already squandered their opportunities.
“All I ask is that the church continues to pray for Mr. President. Forget those who had their chance and failed. They will not have another opportunity,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Wike dismissed the credibility of the coalition, suggesting its members are driven by a desperation to return to power.
“They can’t survive outside government. Now they’ve been out, and they won’t come back,” he declared.
The opposition coalition, which recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, includes notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Senate President David Mark, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
