Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern rebuke to members of the newly formed opposition coalition, accusing them of manipulating Nigerians to serve their own political ambitions.
Speaking during his regular monthly media parley held at his official residence in Abuja on Thursday, the minister questioned the sincerity of the coalition leaders and called for greater accountability.
Wike’s remarks were directed at key political figures who recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for a unified opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The minister argued that the formation of the coalition had less to do with national interest and more to do with unresolved personal grievances among its members.
“Because you have issues with someone, you say Nigerians are angry and then you go ahead and form a coalition. Please let’s take the issues of Nigeria seriously,” Wike stated, expressing concern that politicians were once again using citizens as pawns in high-level political chess games.
The FCT Minister went further to challenge those involved in the opposition alliance to publicly present their records of performance when they held power. “I challenge all of them to show their scorecards. When they were at the helm of affairs, what did they do to better the country?” he asked, implying that many of the coalition leaders failed to deliver real change when they had the chance.
The opposition coalition, comprising notable names like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-governors such as Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, has drawn both support and criticism. While some see it as a chance to mount a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), others question the motive and sustainability of the alliance.
Shifting focus to matters within the FCT, Wike addressed the ongoing teachers’ strike and clarified that the issue lies beyond his immediate control. According to him, the responsibility for the unpaid salaries rests with the area councils, not the central FCT administration.
He disclosed that the administration had taken some steps, including withholding the 10% of internally generated revenue that is typically allocated to the area councils. Despite this, he explained that the total amount owed to teachers is in the range of ₦18 billion, a figure that significantly limits what his office can realistically address on its own.
“I cannot just say we’ll pay when it’s not our direct responsibility. These are debts owed by area councils,” Wike noted, while stressing that efforts were ongoing to engage with relevant stakeholders and seek a sustainable resolution.
Throughout the parley, the minister maintained a firm tone, cautioning political elites against using national challenges to fuel their personal rivalries and urging all parties to prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians over political gamesmanship.
What you should know
Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, criticized the recently formed opposition coalition for allegedly using Nigerians as tools for personal political battles.
He called on its leaders to present their performance records while in office and also clarified that the FCT administration is not directly responsible for the ₦18 billion owed to striking teachers, placing the burden on the area councils.
