Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the recent defection of opposition figures to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying they lack the political weight to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Speaking during a special edition of Politics Today on Channels Television on Friday, Wike questioned the electoral relevance of the coalition leaders who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ADC.
“Who among them delivered their local government or state in the last election? Let’s take them one by one. You call them PDP heavyweights, but where’s the proof?” he asked.
Wike singled out former Senate President David Mark, now Interim National Chairman of the ADC, questioning his influence within his own political base.
“Is David Mark really a heavyweight? His daughter ran and won under the APC in his own constituency. Yet he, as a PDP leader, failed to deliver.
Either he was never committed to PDP or he simply has no grassroots support,” Wike said.
He also criticised opponents of Tinubu’s government, calling them hypocrites who contributed to the country’s current challenges.
“I’m not saying the government has no issues, but let’s be honest—those pointing fingers are the ones who brought Nigeria to this point,” he said.
Wike specifically mentioned former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, highlighting his long political career and past role in pushing for the removal of President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Amaechi was governor, speaker, and minister. He never talked about suffering then. Now he’s suddenly concerned?” Wike added.
He urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s administration and support its efforts to fix inherited problems.
“This government is just two years in. Who created the hardship, and who is trying to fix it? Let’s not confuse the two,” he said.