ABUJA, Nigeria — Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has launched a blistering attack on prominent political figures who recently unveiled a restructured African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their political vehicle ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a media parley on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Wike criticised the credibility and past performance of the coalition leaders, many of whom he described as “former power holders with little to show for their time in office.”
His remarks came a day after a high-profile unveiling of the ADC’s new leadership in Abuja, where David Mark, former Senate President, was named interim national chairman, and Rauf Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun, was appointed interim national secretary.
The event drew a formidable roster of political heavyweights, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-governors, former ministers, and party leaders from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
Wike dismissed the group’s legitimacy to champion any national rescue effort, saying their records in office failed to reflect the kind of leadership needed for national renewal.
“I heard David Mark say Nigerians are angry and that they want to rescue the country,” Wike said.
“But he was the Senate President for eight years. Was there any project in Otukpo? Not one. He was flying there with helicopters. Were Nigerians not angry then?”
He accused Mark of losing political relevance, noting that even his daughter contested and won an election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), not the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he had built his career.
Turning to Rotimi Amaechi, the former minister of transportation, Wike alleged that his tenure saddled Nigeria with burdensome debt.
“Amaechi took Chinese loans and buried Nigeria in debt. But they say Nigerians were happy then,” Wike said.
He criticised what he described as political hypocrisy among the coalition members, suggesting they only express concern for the country’s plight when they are out of power.
“When you are angry with me, Nigerians were not happy. The only time Nigerians are happy is when you are in power. The moment you are no longer in power, Nigerians are angry,” he said.
Wike also challenged the records of several other coalition members:
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On former aviation minister Hadi Sirika: “What happened to Air Nigeria? Nigerians were happy then?”
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On former attorney-general Abubakar Malami: “What did he do to resolve the security challenges as AGF?”
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On Aminu Tambuwal: “Tambuwal was Speaker for four years and Governor for eight. What exactly did he do to reduce the anger of Nigerians?”
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On Bolaji Abdullahi: “He joined ADC because of a political rift with his mentor, Bukola Saraki.”
Wike suggested that the coalition’s efforts were more about political posturing than genuine reform, accusing them of exploiting public frustration for personal ambition.
Despite the attacks, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, stating that only a restructured and united party could mount a credible challenge to the ruling APC in 2027.
“Only the PDP, if truly united and restructured, can challenge the APC. Not a gathering of yesterday’s men who failed to lead when they had the chance,” he said.
