Wike Says Nigeria Collapsed Before Tinubu Took Office

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike says Nigeria was already in ruins before President Bola Tinubu took over in 2023.

He made this known on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at Saint James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja. Wike was marking the successful completion of 16 projects across the FCT.

According to Wike, Tinubu inherited a country that was nearly beyond repair, and the administration has had to make painful but necessary choices. He argued that it is unfair to expect instant results after years of damage, adding that rebuilding the nation will take more than prayers.

Wike urged the Christian community to be more cautious ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the church almost made a decision in 2023 that could have hurt the country, stressing that sentimental voting must be avoided. He warned religious groups against falling for political propaganda and encouraged them to ask tough questions from political leaders.

He criticised past leaders who had the chance to develop the country but failed to do so. He questioned how such figures now claim to want to rescue Nigeria, pointing to their records in office. Wike cited the example of the International Conference Centre in Abuja, which used to generate only ₦50 million annually. After Tinubu ordered its closure and renovation, it reportedly made ₦700 million in just three weeks.

The minister also recalled the insecurity that plagued the country before Tinubu’s term, such as the bombing of trains and the oil subsidy fraud. He said these issues were not created by the current administration but by past governments that now seek a return to power.

He challenged critics to show what they achieved when they held office. Wike said that during his time as governor of Rivers State, he delivered real projects and is now doing the same in Abuja. He said it is only now that some Nigerians are angry — not when the country was being run down.

Wike urged the church to remain patient with the president and to pray for the administration. He said those who failed the country in the past are now desperate to regain power, but they should not be trusted again.

The minister closed his remarks by urging Nigerians to focus on real progress and ignore those using emotional tactics to manipulate public opinion.