The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised opposition politicians for forming a political coalition just 18 months after the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu in 2023—barely six months into his administration. Wike questioned the motives behind the early formation of the coalition, accusing its members of attempting to mislead Nigerians about the current state of governance.
Speaking on Friday during the commissioning of the Aguma Palace–New Market–Radio Nigeria road in Gwagwalada, Wike expressed disbelief over the opposition’s frustration, especially regarding ongoing infrastructural developments within the FCT. He referenced a recent television appearance by a presidential aspirant from the coalition, describing the individual as visibly upset that top government officials, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, were actively commissioning projects.
“I never knew people were so pained that so many things are going on very well in the FCT,” Wike stated. “Until last night, when I was watching Politics Today, I saw one of the presidential aspirants from the coalition party, an industrialist, so pained—to the point that he was angry the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation are coming to commission projects. Yet they say Nigerians are angry.”
Wike criticised the timing of the coalition’s formation, pointing out that it was established just six months into Tinubu’s tenure. He questioned how any fair assessment of performance could be made so early in the administration. “I never asked anyone, but they said the coalition started 18 months ago. Mr. President has only been in office for two years. So you started a coalition when he was barely six months in office?” he asked. “Eighteen months ago you started a coalition—six months into his tenure? When will you stop deceiving Nigerians? Someone had only been in office for six months, and you had already begun forming a coalition claiming he hadn’t performed?”
Wike Slams Atiku, Amaechi, and Opposition Leaders, Demands Accountability Ahead of 2027
The FCT Minister specifically targeted prominent figures within the coalition, including former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark. He accused them of being disgruntled over their exit from power and challenged them to present concrete records of their achievements while in office.
“I have said it before—everybody, show your scorecard,” Wike declared. “When I was Senate President, let me show my scorecard. How did I help the people of Benue State? How did I help the people of Otukpo? We’ve been here 16 days and we’re already showing our scorecard.”
He continued his criticism by calling out what he described as a pattern of failure and blame-shifting among former officeholders. “Operation ‘show your scorecard.’ God gave you the opportunity to be in office and make Nigerians happy, yet, according to you, you refused. Now that you’ve left office, you are angry. You say Nigerians are angry. No—you are angry because you’re no longer in power. You want to come back. But you won’t. You will not return to power.”
Wike also directed pointed criticism at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom the coalition has expressed support for ahead of the 2027 elections. He accused Atiku of lacking political consistency, citing his repeated shifts between parties since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
“In 2023, they said they would support one man (Atiku), whose business since 1999 has been jumping from one party to another,” Wike said. “In 1999, he was in one party. In 2006, another party. In 2014, he moved again. In 2019, he switched again. Now in 2025, he’s forming another coalition. Were you born into coalition?” he asked sarcastically.
Wike’s comments add to the intensifying political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections, with his remarks indicating a strong defence of the Tinubu administration and a firm rebuke of the early mobilisation efforts by opposition elements.
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