. Warn Against ‘Desperation for Relevance.’
By John Paul
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, have taken aim at prominent figures in the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), branding them as “expired politicians” desperate to regain relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, who spoke yesterday during the commissioning of road projects in the Ushafa-Bwari axis of Abuja, expressed dismay that critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration continue to ignore what he described as the president’s impressive achievements in infrastructure and governance.
He accused opposition leaders of deliberately spreading false narratives about the administration’s performance, saying their views are not only unfounded but motivated by bitterness and political redundancy. “Let those who don’t have vision, who are politically expired, and who, since 1999, have belonged to over ten political parties—let them see what you’re doing,” Wike said.
According to Wike, such individuals constantly appear on television, offering misleading commentary while ignoring the visible signs of progress. “Whichever TV station they tune into, they will see Mr. President. And yet, they claim nothing is working. Must we come to their houses before they know something is working?” he asked rhetorically.
The minister’s comments came as Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at the event, emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive development. Shettima said the commissioning of the dualised War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other adjoining projects in Bwari exemplified the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These roads will not only ease traffic congestion; they will breathe new life into economic activities and improve access to education and healthcare,” Shettima said. He added that the roads were constructed by indigenous contractors, a deliberate move aimed at boosting local capacity and creating jobs.
Meanwhile, presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga took to his verified X account to deliver a scathing critique of the ADC-led opposition coalition. In his post, Onanuga dismissed the relevance of former APC members who have aligned themselves with the ADC, describing them as “spent forces” and “political relics.”
“Rotimi Amaechi’s spirit left the APC in 2022 after losing the presidential primary to President Tinubu,” Onanuga wrote. He added that former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami had withdrawn from active party politics after failing in his bid to secure the APC gubernatorial ticket in Kebbi State.
Onanuga also pointed out that former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika is currently facing trial over allegations of contract splitting, while former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola was expelled from the APC over anti-party activities. “These people have no political weight anymore,” he said.
He further criticized Chief John Odigie Oyegun and Kashim Imam, describing them as disgruntled elements seeking political rehabilitation. “Their coalition is not driven by any ideology. It is bound together only by their shared bitterness toward President Tinubu. Nigerians must see through this façade,” Onanuga stated.
Both Wike and Onanuga’s comments come as the ADC seeks to position itself as the leading platform for an opposition alliance aimed at unseating the APC in 2027. However, the presidency calculates that the coalition will falter due to conflicting personal interests and a lack of a coherent vision beyond kicking President Tinubu out of office.