ADC Fires Back at Wike Over Criticism of Opposition Coalition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has responded strongly to recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, criticizing leaders of the newly formed opposition coalition.

During a media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike took aim at prominent figures in the coalition—among them former Transportation Minister Chibuike Amaechi, ex-Senate President David Mark, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika. He accused them of having failed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians during their time in office and questioned their moral authority to now claim they want to “save the country.”

Wike defended the current administration of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that despite economic challenges, the government was working to improve the lives of Nigerians.

However, in a swift rebuttal issued by Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the opposition coalition under the ADC platform, the party accused Wike of hypocrisy and poor leadership.

“Minister Wike has failed to pay the salaries of primary school teachers who have been on strike for several months, yet he continues to commission white elephant projects worth billions of naira,” the statement said.

According to the ADC, Wike’s outburst reflects fear over the growing momentum of the coalition, which aims to present a strong alternative to the ruling party in the 2027 elections.

“The Minister’s behavior is unbecoming of his office. His attacks show panic, because the coalition that seeks to unseat the government he serves is already taking shape,” Abdullahi stated.

The party acknowledged Wike’s claim that some coalition members are driven by grievances, but emphasized that the grievances stem from real and widespread suffering under the Tinubu administration.

“We are aggrieved to see poor children locked out of school due to unpaid teachers. We are aggrieved by the rising insecurity in the FCT under his watch. We are aggrieved that Minister Wike has allowed himself to be used to dismantle one of Africa’s strongest political institutions—the PDP,” the statement read.

The ADC noted that the coalition is a direct consequence of failed promises, worsening economic conditions, and the perceived betrayal of public trust by the APC-led government.

“The coalition is not just about a few leaders; it belongs to the Nigerian people. They were promised ‘Renewed Hope’ but are living in renewed hopelessness,” Abdullahi added.

He concluded that no amount of political attacks or public tirades by Wike or other government officials can stop what he described as a “popular movement” for change.