Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fiercely criticised opposition figures who recently assumed control of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), branding them a “band of failed and obsolete politicians” incapable of offering meaningful solutions to Nigeria’s problems.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

At his monthly press briefing on Thursday, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, launched a blistering attack on leaders of the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing them as “recycled failures” unfit to lead Nigeria.

The coalition, unveiled on Wednesday, adopted the ADC as its political platform for the 2027 elections. It is currently chaired by former Senate President David Mark, with former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. The alliance includes key figures from the APC, PDP, and Labour Party—some of whom have defected from their former parties.

Despite presenting the bloc as a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu, Wike derided it as an opportunistic gathering of discredited politicians who, in his words, “squandered their chances when they held power.”

“David Mark says Nigerians are angry and need rescuing. But this is a man who was Senate President for eight years and couldn’t deliver a single major project in Otukpo. Suddenly, now that he’s out of power, he’s discovered Nigerians are angry?” Wike queried.

He mocked Mark’s dwindling influence, recalling how his daughter won a House of Representatives seat on the APC platform, while he failed to deliver his own ward for the PDP.

Wike also directed fire at former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of recklessly plunging Nigeria into debt through indiscriminate Chinese loans.

“Amaechi was minister for eight years. He took massive loans and left Nigeria heavily indebted. Were Nigerians happy then?” he asked sarcastically.

He blasted former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika over the botched Nigeria Air project and slammed former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami for what he described as eight years of legal and security failure.

“Now Malami is talking about justice, after failing to uphold it for eight years? What did he do to improve security as AGF?” Wike questioned.

He didn’t spare former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal either, challenging his legislative and executive legacy:

“Eight years as governor, four years as Speaker—what did he do that made Nigerians less angry?”

On former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, now the coalition’s spokesman, Wike claimed his move to ADC stemmed from personal fallout with his political godfather, Bukola Saraki, and not any ideological conviction.

PDP Still Nigeria’s Best Bet – Wike

Despite his criticism, Wike affirmed that the PDP remains the only party with the structure and national appeal to challenge Tinubu—if it resolves its internal crises.

“The only credible opposition to Tinubu today is still the PDP. But we must get our house in order,” he said.

He described the ADC alliance as a desperate congregation of politicians seeking relevance after being rejected by Nigerians.

“They were in government and said nothing. Now out of power, they’ve suddenly found their voices. Nigerians are not fools,” he declared.

‘Stop Using Nigerians as Pawns’ – Wike Warns

Wike also accused the coalition of weaponising public frustration for selfish ambitions.

“Because you have a problem with someone, you suddenly say Nigerians are angry and form a coalition? Let’s stop using our people as pawns. Let each of them present their scorecards,” he challenged.

Addressing the ongoing FCT teachers’ strike, Wike reiterated that the ₦18 billion owed to teachers is the responsibility of area councils, not his administration. However, he revealed that he had intervened by withholding 10% of councils’ IGR to help settle part of the debt.

“There’s only so much we can do when the arrears stand at ₦18 billion. But we’ve acted decisively to push for a resolution,” he explained.

Presidency: ADC Coalition a ‘Desperate Power Grab’

The Presidency also dismissed the ADC coalition as a hollow power play. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media to the President, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said the coalition lacked unity, ideology, or national structure.

“This is no people’s movement. It’s a desperate scramble by expired politicians. No injustice is being corrected—only personal ambitions being chased,” Dare wrote.

He warned against comparing the ADC bloc to the 2013 APC merger, which he said was anchored on a shared ideology and national purpose, unlike today’s coalition of self-interested politicians.

“In 2013, Tinubu put national interest before personal ambition. This coalition? They don’t even have the support of their states or regions,” Dare added.

He emphasized that power rotation has already positioned the presidency in the right region until 2031, dismissing opposition claims as politically ungrounded.

Kachikwu Accuses Coalition of Atiku Agenda

Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, also lashed out at the coalition, accusing its leaders of hijacking the party for the sole purpose of handing Atiku Abubakar the 2027 ticket.

“Let them come out and declare they’ll zone the ticket to the South. Until then, this is a betrayal of power rotation,” he said.

He claimed the new coalition was a closed-circle of elites united by backroom deals, not national interest.

“They’re not here to rescue Nigeria. These are the same people who broke it. Coalition or not, they’re just friends protecting their interests.”

Amaechi Counters Kachikwu, Backs Power Shift to South

Meanwhile, Rotimi Amaechi, in a Channels TV interview, insisted the coalition is committed to retaining power in the South come 2027. Though he remained vague about his ambitions, he emphasized respect for zoning.

ADC Fires Back: Wike is Nervous

In a swift rebuttal, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said Wike’s outrage betrayed the ruling party’s growing anxiety.

“If Wike had paid FCT teachers or stopped commissioning white elephant projects, he wouldn’t be jittery about us,” Abdullahi said.

He insisted that the coalition was driven by public disenchantment with Tinubu’s administration, not by personal vendettas.

“Our grievance is simple: Nigerians are suffering. The promises of renewed hope have become renewed hopelessness. This movement belongs to the people—and no tirade will stop it.”