Abdullahi made the statement during an appearance on AIT, where he expressed concern that the opposition’s chances of successfully challenging the ruling party are weakened when key political figures fail to remain united.

According to him, a strong and united opposition coalition offers a better opportunity to confront the incumbent government, while division only strengthens those currently in power.

“If you have a united opposition working to challenge the incumbent, then you stand a better chance.

“But the moment you have the opposition divided, then you have a three-horse or four-horse race, it gives advantage to the incumbent,” he said.

Abdullahi added that Obi and Kwankwaso’s decision to leave the ADC would not only hurt the party but would also negatively impact their own political fortunes.

“What happened to Peter Obi and Kwankwaso leaving the ADC does not hurt only the ADC, it hurts the generality. It’s going to affect them the way it’s going to affect us.

“If we were able to hold together, then we would have stood a better chance. I’m not saying that it’s not possible,” he stated.

He also clarified that any discussions involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other aspirants should not be interpreted as official ADC negotiations.

“If Atiku Abubakar is talking to any other aspirant, it is not ADC speaking, it is one aspirant negotiating with another,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdullahi also reacted to President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

President Tinubu said the appointment was in recognition of Fadewa’s outstanding military service, strategic expertise, and contributions to Nigeria’s national security framework.

However, in a statement shared on , Abdullahi questioned the necessity of the new role, especially with an existing National Security Adviser already in office.

He argued that if President Tinubu no longer has confidence in National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, he should simply replace him instead of creating what he described as an unnecessary position.

Abdullahi also criticized the use of the term “Homeland Security,” arguing that it is more relevant in countries such as the United States, Germany, Israel, or Palestine, and lacks meaningful context in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu has just appointed a Major General as ‘Special Adviser on Homeland Security.’

“The term ‘homeland’ is ideological and historically rooted. It makes sense in contexts like the United States, Germany, Israel or Palestine. In Nigeria, it is largely meaningless.

“If the President no longer has confidence in his National Security Adviser, he should simply replace him, not create a new office with a copycat title,” Abdullahi said.

News reports that Wike made the remark on Thursday while addressing journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Gomani-Yangoje, Kwali Area Council of Abuja.

Makinde had earlier announced his intention to run for president on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) during an event in Ibadan, Oyo State.

His declaration came after his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the APM.

Reacting to the development, Wike said Makinde’s move to the APM was part of a strategy to pursue a presidential bid that he believes is doomed to fail.

“What you have is Seyi Makinde joining APM to be able to actualise his presidential ambition, which is already dead on arrival.

“It’s unfortunate. We know that has been his game plan and we would say he cannot fly the flag of PDP,” Wike said.

Speaking further, Wike also dismissed concerns surrounding Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s continued membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Responding to questions on the matter, the FCT minister said there was no issue as long as Fubara had made his political position clear.

“Sorry for what? Why are you saying problem when nobody has told you he has a problem?

“The man has told you he still remains APC. So what is the problem now?” he said.

Wike maintained that any issue regarding Fubara’s status within the APC remains strictly an internal matter for the party.

“Ask me about PDP, and I will answer you. Because how will you ask me whatever happens? Assuming he has a problem, it’s their internal affairs,” he stated.

Naija News reports that Wike’s remarks followed Fubara’s recent reaffirmation of his loyalty to the ruling APC.

Fubara made the statement on Wednesday after inspecting the reconstructed Rivers State Psychiatric Hospital, now remodelled into a general hospital in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The governor dismissed social media reports suggesting he had left the party, insisting that he remains committed to the APC and its broader interests.

This follows a disruption of services after a confrontation between hospital staff and officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and other health bodies had withdrawn their services in protest, alleging the unjust arrest and assault of a senior cardiologist, Prof. Eyo Ekpe.

Concerned about the impact of the industrial action on patients, the CMD, while addressing a press briefing at the hospital, urged the unions to suspend the strike. He also condemned the conduct of the EFCC, describing it as the action of overzealous officers that did not reflect the agency’s mandate.

He stressed that while the unions have the right to protest, they must also consider the condition of vulnerable patients, including those in intensive care, accident victims, and newborns requiring urgent attention.

In his words, “We are appealing to our colleagues and unions to consider the human lives involved. Patients are suffering. Newborn babies and critically ill persons are at risk. Whatever grievances we have, human life must come first.

“If not for anything, the Accident and Emergency unit should not be shut, the ICU, even the Special Care Unit for babies, too. My dear union leaders, I plead that you keep these doors open; the harm has already been done, but let us not forget our vulnerable and sick ones.”

Prof. Bassey added that hospital management, including Prof. Ekpe and other senior staff, had remained on ground since the incident to stabilise critical departments and ensure patients continued receiving care.

He also urged security agencies to exercise restraint in the discharge of their duties, assuring that efforts were underway with the intervention of the Minister of Health, the Akwa Ibom State Government, and other stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.

Meanwhile, the CMD disclosed that the disputed issue centred on the verification of a medical report allegedly issued on behalf of a suspect under investigation. He said investigations revealed that the document was fake and did not originate from UUTH.

According to him, “Some actors working in concert with lawyers or whoever for the suspect had opened a folder with no official footing and written a fake medical report on it. To check the authenticity of a medical report is a rigorous process, and after all was done, it was discovered that the document was fake.”