— Says Only a United PDP Can Challenge Tinubu in 2027
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on members of the newly-formed anti-Tinubu coalition, describing them as “a gang of failed and expired politicians” with nothing new to offer Nigerians.
Wike’s comments come in the wake of Wednesday’s political shake-up that saw the coalition take over the structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Speaking during a media interaction, the former Rivers State governor dismissed the credibility of key coalition figures and questioned their records in public office.
Taking aim at former Senate President David Mark, Wike recalled Mark’s eight-year tenure in the National Assembly, accusing him of neglecting his hometown, Otukpo.
“I heard David Mark say they want to rescue Nigeria — that Nigerians are not happy,” Wike said. “But he was Senate President for eight years. Nigerians were not angry then? There was no single project in Otukpo. Not one.”
Wike also criticized Mark’s political influence in Benue, noting that his daughter lost the PDP ticket and won election into the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Turning his fire to other coalition leaders, Wike blamed former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi for plunging Nigeria into Chinese debt during his tenure. “Amaechi was minister. He took Chinese loans and made Nigeria so indebted. Were Nigerians not supposed to be happy then?” he asked.
The FCT minister also questioned the track records of other key players such as former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami.
“What happened to Air Nigeria?” Wike said of Sirika. “And Malami? What was his contribution to resolving the security challenges while in office?”
Wike did not spare former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal either. “Tambuwal was Speaker for four years and governor for eight. What did he do to make Nigerians happy?” he asked rhetorically.
On Bolaji Abdullahi, former Minister of Sports, Wike claimed his defection to the ADC was fueled by a falling out with his political mentor, Senator Bukola Saraki.
Despite the blistering criticism, Wike acknowledged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) still holds the potential to mount a serious challenge against President Tinubu’s administration — but only if the party unites and puts its house in order.
“The only party today that can challenge Tinubu is the PDP, if they get their act together,” he stated.
As the political temperature heats up ahead of the 2027 general elections, Wike’s remarks underline the deepening divisions and realignments within Nigeria’s opposition space.
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