Wike Dismisses ADC Coalition Says they are Chasing Power Not Progress

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised key figures behind the recent takeover of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arguing that the move is driven by personal ambition rather than genuine concern for Nigeria’s future.

His remarks came during a media chat held in Abuja, where he expressed doubts about the strength of the newly formed coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

The leadership of the ADC was recently reshuffled to accommodate a broad coalition of opposition leaders, with former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola taking up roles as interim national chairman and secretary. The event also saw the participation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, further fueling speculation about a serious effort to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Wike, however, dismissed the entire move as an opportunistic alliance without real direction. He claimed that the coalition members lacked consistency and had no clear agenda other than the pursuit of control. He accused David Mark of switching camps after failing to secure leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and said Atiku’s political history showed a pattern of moving from one party to another in search of influence.

He described the new ADC group as made up of politicians who have long drifted between parties, seeking only positions of power rather than offering any real solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. According to Wike, their criticism of the current administration is rooted in frustration, not a sincere desire for national development.

Wike did not spare other figures in the coalition. He took a swipe at Dele Momodu, describing his presidential ambition as unserious, and questioned why he would now be at the forefront of a coalition aiming for national leadership. He also accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of joining the group out of bitterness, suggesting that El-Rufai would not be part of the opposition had he remained in Tinubu’s inner circle.

The minister argued that none of the coalition members had a better record in public service than the current administration. He invited them to compare their past achievements with what President Tinubu’s government has done so far.

Despite ongoing challenges within the PDP, Wike maintained that it remains the most structured opposition party in the country. He claimed that those now forming coalitions had previously tried to hijack the PDP but were resisted, and having failed, they are now attempting to start afresh under a new name.

Wike warned Nigerians to be wary of political movements that change form every election cycle, saying that their main goal is to seize power, not to reform the country. He ended by affirming his belief that President Tinubu remains the most viable candidate for 2027, adding that his administration had clear accomplishments to show in contrast to his critics.