By Adeyemi David
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not succeed in next year’s elections, while declaring that he will support only candidates who align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Speaking during his first live media chat of the year at his official residence in Abuja, Wike criticized opposition parties for what he described as staged populist tactics aimed at deceiving the poor.
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He singled out ADC leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Anambra Governor Peter Obi, accusing them of playing to the gallery rather than delivering genuine leadership.
He mocked Amaechi for publicly buying and eating roasted corn during campaigns, calling it “political showmanship,” and questioned Obi’s sincerity in visiting Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to mark his birthday.
Wike also criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing to learn from its 2023 electoral mistakes, asserting that his support will go only to candidates who back President Tinubu, regardless of party affiliation.
Addressing the recent FCT Area Council elections, Wike defended his movement on polling day, insisting that it did not influence the outcome.
He said the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in winning five councils reflected the performance of the Tinubu-led federal government and the effective mobilisation of voters, particularly in rural areas.
The minister also targeted ADC senator Ireti Kingibe, who had criticized his restriction of movement in the FCT during the elections, saying she would not be re-elected in 2027 due to a lack of tangible projects in her constituency.
Reflecting on his political strategy, Wike hinted at plans for a “thank-you visit” to area councils in appreciation of their support, reiterating his commitment to delivering infrastructure and good governance.
He concluded that Nigerians deserve leadership based on genuine governance rather than symbolic gestures, emphasizing that his backing will follow candidates aligned with President Tinubu’s vision, rather than loyalty to any political party.
