…Says Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Selling Nigerians False Hope
…Jonathan Should Be Respected and Not Dragged Into 2027 Speculations
By Franklin Adole
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a blistering attack on the emerging opposition platforms, declaring that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are far from the political saviours they claim to be.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike accused the opposition parties of misleading Nigerians with promises of democratic renewal while failing to conduct credible and transparent internal elections.
The minister said recent controversies surrounding the presidential primaries of both parties had exposed what he described as the hypocrisy of politicians who routinely criticise established parties such as the APC and PDP.
According to him, parties that presented themselves as cleaner and more democratic alternatives have already become embroiled in the same kinds of disputes and allegations they once condemned.
“NDC, as small as they are, cannot conduct a primary without protest. Look at ADC, that says it wants to rescue democracy and take over power. During the primary, two presidential aspirants openly rejected the process,” Wike said.
He argued that the internal crises rocking the opposition platforms have stripped them of the moral authority to accuse other parties of manipulating democratic processes.
“Who is deceiving who? Who is coming to Nigerians to tell them they are the messiahs? Nigerians now know they are all liars. They cannot continue deceiving us,” he declared.
Wike specifically took aim at leading opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing them of presenting themselves as reformers while presiding over parties plagued by internal contradictions.
He said it was ironic that politicians who had repeatedly described the PDP as dead and the APC as rotten could not successfully organise simple party congresses and primaries without provoking rebellion among their own members.
“They told Nigerians that the PDP is finished and the APC is rotten. Yet they cannot conduct ordinary congresses without allegations of criminality and manipulation. If they cannot manage their parties, how can they manage Nigeria?” he asked.
The FCT minister maintained that, despite their imperfections, the older political parties have acquired experience navigating Nigeria’s complex political environment and remain better positioned to sustain democratic governance.
“My assessment is that I prefer the old parties that have been tested and understand the realities of Nigeria’s political culture,” he said.
Wike also questioned growing speculation that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan may be persuaded to return to the presidential race in 2027.
He noted that Jonathan has not publicly expressed interest in the 2027 presidential election and urged politicians and supporters to respect the former president rather than speculate about his intentions.
“Did Jonathan ever say he wants to run? He is a former president and should be respected,” the minister added.