Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged opposition figures criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands a chance of mounting a credible challenge in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during his monthly media parley in Abuja on Thursday, Wike accused members of the opposition coalition of hypocrisy, pointing out that many had held power without addressing the problems they now blame on the current administration.
“I heard David Mark talk about angry Nigerians needing rescue. But was Nigeria a paradise during his eight years as Senate President? Not a single project went to Otukpo, his hometown, despite his influence,” Wike said.
He also questioned former officials like Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal, challenging them to account for their records when they were in government.
“If this frustration were expressed by people who had never held power, it would be understandable. But these same people were in charge for years and left Nigeria in its current state,” Wike added, insisting that President Tinubu had taken bold, necessary decisions to stabilise the country, despite the resulting hardships.
He said that only the PDP could realistically challenge Tinubu in 2027 if it reorganizes effectively, adding: “The opposition has largely decimated itself. Today, only a properly structured PDP can stand as a viable alternative.”
Wike also blamed voters for recycling the same leaders based on ethnicity and religion instead of competence.
“You, the voters, are responsible. You don’t evaluate candidates based on what they offer, but on ethnic and religious sentiments,” he noted
