Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has intensified his criticism of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general election, describing any alliance that fields what he considers compromised candidates as a “joint ticket of corruption.”
Wike specifically criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, accusing the duo of failing Nigerians.
The FCT Minister made the remarks during a high-powered political engagement at a town hall interactive meeting with the Rumueme and Apara kingdoms in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to Wike, any opposition coalition relying on politicians with questionable records would struggle to secure the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes in key states such as Rivers. He dismissed the coalition’s political strength as mere posturing, which he said was undermined by allegations of corruption against some of its leading figures.
Wike also recalled criticisms previously directed at Atiku by his former principal, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. He argued that the former vice-president’s political record and the allegations surrounding his tenure would make it difficult for him to present himself as a candidate of integrity.
The minister further argued that Amaechi’s presence on the proposed ticket did not improve its prospects, saying the former Rivers governor’s political record raised additional questions about accountability and public service.
He said: “When I saw Atiku on television yesterday, asking Nigerians to take any money given to them by people from the party in power, that it will be stolen money, I said haa, Atiku is now an apostle of anti-corruption?
“The same Atiku that his boss described as corrupt and that one of his major regrets is making him (Atiku) his Vice-President is talking.”
Turning to the 2027 presidential contest, Wike said his major political objective was to secure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He dismissed the opposition’s activities as lacking the capacity to prevent Tinubu from returning to office.
The minister urged Rivers residents to reject what he described as attempts by opposition politicians to deceive voters and instead support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Wike maintained that the Tinubu administration had brought various developments to Rivers State and had also recognised the state through political appointments.
He said: “Each day I sleep, I am thinking about the president’s re-election. When I am eating, I think about the president’s re-election. Everything I am doing now is about the president’s re-election.
“Let us forget sentiment and vote the person that has recognised the people of Rivers State with dividends of democracy and with several appointments.
“I know the re-election of Tinubu in 2027 will be easier than that of 2023. We should appreciate Tinubu and ensure massive votes for him. We can do it.”
Wike, however, acknowledged that the political contest ahead would be intense, warning members of his political camp against internal disagreements and distractions.
He urged party supporters to remain focused and resist attempts by individuals seeking to create divisions within the grassroots political structure.
According to him, genuine political strength is built through a strong relationship with the electorate rather than political alliances that, in his view, lack credibility. He also contrasted the Tinubu administration’s record with that of politicians seeking to return to power through opposition coalitions.
Wike said: “What will be, will be. You don’t need to kill yourself… Anything that God said would be, it would be.”
The FCT Minister also took aim at the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him alongside other opposition figures as “unelectable” politicians.
