Wike Unleashes On Coalition: “It’s Not About Nigeria, It’s About Their Bellies!”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at leaders of the Opposition Coalition, accusing them of disguising their personal ambitions as a mission to save Nigeria.

During a thanksgiving service held on Sunday to celebrate the completion of key projects under the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration marking President Bola Tinubu’s two years in office, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike launched a scathing attack on leaders of the Opposition Coalition, accusing them of using the slogan “rescue Nigeria” as a cover for selfish political ambitions.

Wike, speaking pointedly, said:
“You’re not trying to rescue Nigerians — it’s your own stomach you want to rescue,” he said. “Since 1999, you’ve hopped from one party to another — in 2006, 2014, 2019, and now 2025 — always in search of power. Who exactly are you trying to save?”

The Minister took aim at top political figures in the opposition, notably Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, questioning his democratic legacy.
“Some of you blindly support people you don’t even know. You say Peter Obi will be President — President where? For eight years as governor, he never conducted local government elections. Is that the democracy you’re defending?”

Wike didn’t stop there. He questioned the credibility of other political veterans in the opposition movement, referencing former Senate Presidents and House Speakers.
“Let’s be honest — if I was Senate President for eight years and I couldn’t even construct a road to my own local government, Otukpo, but I flew in by helicopter, and now I say I want to rescue Nigeria — what kind of rescue is that?” he asked.

He also blasted former House Speakers who served multiple terms as governors and ministers, saying:
“You were in office for 24 years, and only after being out for two years, you now say Nigerians are hungry? When did that hunger start — after you left?”

Addressing Nigeria’s rising debt, Wike criticised a former Transportation Minister:
“Why won’t Nigerians be angry when, in eight years, you borrowed billions from China and left us with huge debts? You’ve mortgaged the future of this country.”

He took further jabs at former Attorneys-General and Interior Ministers, blaming them for Nigeria’s lingering corruption issues and inefficiencies.
“You were Attorney-General for eight years, yet we’re still paying judgment debts. As Interior Minister, it took Nigerians months just to get an international passport. But now, in this government, you can get it within hours. Look at the difference.”

Wike urged Christians and the general public to remain patient and supportive of Tinubu’s administration.
“I ask the Church to continue praying for Mr. President. Forget about those who had their opportunity to fix Nigeria but failed. They won’t get another chance. They’ve been out of power, and out they will remain.”

According to LEADERSHIP, the opposition coalition — which has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 general election — includes high-profile figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, and David Mark, among others.