Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized the opposition politicians who recently took control of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as a coalition of “failed and expired politicians” who have nothing new or meaningful to offer Nigerians.
Speaking passionately in Abuja, Wike dismissed the claims by the ADC coalition that they possess the ability to “rescue Nigeria,” arguing that their track records show a consistent pattern of failure and self-interest rather than genuine service to the nation.
Wike particularly called out Senator David Mark, the newly appointed interim national chairman of ADC, questioning his achievements during his eight-year tenure as Senate President. Wike pointed out that despite Mark’s high-ranking position, his hometown of Otukpo in Benue State saw no significant development.
“I heard David Mark saying they want to rescue Nigeria and that Nigerians are not happy,” Wike said. “But he was Senate President for eight years — where is the evidence of his leadership? Not a single meaningful project in Otukpo. He had to fly helicopters to his own village because there were no accessible roads. So, were Nigerians happy then?”
He further lambasted former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of saddling the country with massive debts due to excessive Chinese loans taken during his tenure.
“Amaechi was minister. He took Chinese loans and made Nigeria so indebted to China. So, Nigerians were happy then?” he asked sarcastically, questioning the sincerity of Amaechi’s claim to represent change or progress.
Wike also turned his attention to former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, criticizing the failed Nigeria Air project, which he described as a waste of public funds and an example of mismanagement that offered no tangible benefits to the average Nigerian.
He did not spare former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, either, accusing him of failing to provide practical solutions to Nigeria’s deep-rooted insecurity problems during his time in office, despite having all the resources and power to make meaningful changes.
“I saw Sirika. What happened to Air Nigeria? Nigerians were happy then? When they went to APC in 2013 and took over power, Nigerians were supposedly happy, but no longer happy today?” Wike stated, emphasizing the irony in their current rhetoric.
Wike also criticized former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, highlighting his performance as both Speaker of the House of Representatives and as a state governor. He challenged Tambuwal to show what concrete achievements he delivered that could justify his new political promises.
“Tambuwal was Speaker for four years. What did he do to make Nigerians not be angry? He was governor for eight years. What did he do? What kind of politics are we playing?” Wike asked, questioning the credibility of Tambuwal’s leadership credentials.
Additionally, Wike accused former Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, of opportunism, saying that Abdullahi only joined ADC after falling out with his political mentor, former Senate President Bukola Saraki. He suggested that this pattern of betrayal and self-serving moves disqualifies Abdullahi and others from claiming they can rescue Nigeria.
According to Wike, the only party capable of effectively challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), provided it can resolve its internal conflicts and unite around a common vision. He emphasized that the PDP has the established structure and grassroots presence needed to offer real alternatives to Nigerians.
In conclusion, Wike warned citizens to be cautious and vigilant, urging them not to be swayed by politicians who have simply “rebranded themselves” after contributing to Nigeria’s current problems. He insisted that these so-called “expired politicians” are incapable of providing the fresh ideas and leadership necessary to move the country forward.