Wike Dismisses ADC Coalition as Gathering of Spent Politicians

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the newly formed opposition coalition that adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 general elections.

He described the group as a mix of former political officeholders who failed in past roles and now seek relevance after losing power.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Wike openly named key figures in the coalition, arguing that none of them have a positive record to show Nigerians. He questioned their claim of wanting to “rescue Nigeria,” pointing out that many had held top government positions without delivering meaningful results.

He began with Senator David Mark, the former Senate President and now interim National Chairman of the ADC. Wike recalled that Mark once aspired to become PDP national chairman but faced rejection. According to Wike, Mark held power for eight years with no visible development in his hometown, Otukpo, despite his influence in the Senate.

Wike also took aim at former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of plunging Nigeria into debt through Chinese loans while achieving little to improve public infrastructure. He criticised Hadi Sirika, another coalition figure and former Aviation Minister, over the failed Nigeria Air project, describing it as a national embarrassment.

The minister didn’t spare others. He accused former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami of doing little to tackle legal and security issues during his tenure. For former Speaker and Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, Wike asked what he achieved in his eight years in office that improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

He claimed that most of these politicians only remember the suffering of Nigerians when they are no longer in power. According to him, their sudden concern about hardship is driven more by personal ambition than genuine care for the people.

Wike also addressed the move of former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi to the coalition, linking it to internal political fallout between Abdullahi and his former political mentor, Bukola Saraki. He said such moves show that the coalition lacks unity and a common purpose beyond chasing power.

Wike insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is still facing the heavy task of fixing issues created by previous administrations. He noted that insecurity and economic problems existed before President Bola Tinubu took office, and the current government is still managing those inherited challenges.

He concluded that the only real alternative to the APC is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but only if it resolves its internal disputes. According to him, PDP remains the only party with the national presence and structure to mount a serious challenge in 2027, provided it finds unity and direction.

The ADC coalition has drawn together high-profile politicians from across the political spectrum, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and others. But with criticisms like Wike’s and mounting tensions within some parties, the road to 2027 appears already filled with political drama and power tussles.