ABUJA— Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on prominent opposition figures forming a coalition against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that only a united Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the structure and credibility to pose a serious electoral challenge in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a media parley on Thursday in Abuja, Wike criticised key opposition leaders — including former Senate President David Mark, ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson — accusing them of hypocrisy and failure during their time in office.

“I heard David Mark say Nigerians are angry and must be rescued. He was Senate President for eight years. What did he do? Not a single project reached Otukpo. Was that when Nigerians were happy?” Wike said.

“When Amaechi was Minister for eight years and signed off Chinese loans, was there outrage? Now these same people claim they want to rescue Nigeria.”

Wike, a former PDP governor and influential power broker, argued that criticism of Tinubu’s policies by past leaders lacked moral standing, stressing that the country’s current challenges were rooted in longstanding governance failures.

“If the criticism is coming from people who have never held power, I can understand. But not from those who were part of the problem,” he said.

Defending Tinubu’s Reforms

The Minister acknowledged ongoing economic difficulties but credited President Tinubu for implementing critical reforms necessary for long-term national stability.

“This President took bold steps that many before him were afraid to take. States are getting more money now, and infrastructure is being delivered in Abuja,” he said. “These reforms are painful but essential.”

Wike also dismissed claims that Nigerians are more aggrieved now than in the past, suggesting that such sentiments are politically manipulated.

“People say Nigerians are angry — but where was this anger when some of these same individuals were in charge?” he asked.

PDP Still the Only Viable Opposition

While dismissing the emerging coalition of opposition parties, Wike insisted that the PDP remains the only political entity with the capacity to effectively challenge the APC — provided it can resolve internal divisions.

“The opposition has decimated itself. Now they’re forming a coalition without substance. The only party that can realistically take on this government is the PDP — if it gets its act together,” he said.

The minister’s remarks come amid growing talks of a “third force” coalition, involving elements from the Labour Party, ADC, and factions of the PDP, positioning themselves as alternatives ahead of 2027.

Criticises Voter Behaviour

Wike also criticised Nigerian voters for perpetuating a cycle of poor leadership through ethnic and religious voting patterns.

“You complain about bad governance but still vote based on ethnicity and religion, not on track record or capacity. Until that changes, we will keep recycling failed leaders,” he warned.

Political Implications

Wike’s comments are expected to deepen rifts within the opposition and may signal his continued influence within national politics despite his controversial alliance with the APC-led federal government. His positioning of the PDP as the only viable alternative suggests ongoing internal debates within the party ahead of its 2026 convention and presidential primary.

With the 2027 race looming, Wike’s critique underscores the growing tension among Nigeria’s political elite as alignments shift and early jockeying begins for the nation’s top office.