The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized the recent coalition drive led by the opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as motivated by personal interest rather than any sincere intent to improve Nigeria.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving service at St. James Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, held to celebrate the completion of several FCT projects commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wike accused members of the opposition of attempting to manipulate public sentiment while offering no real solutions.
“These people are not trying to rescue Nigeria,” Wike said. “They only want to rescue their stomachs. That is the truth we must tell ourselves.”
The Minister challenged the credibility of the opposition, questioning their lack of consistency and track record of poor governance. “Why wouldn’t Nigerians be angry with you?” he asked.
“In 1999, you were in one party. By 2006, you had moved to another. Then in 2014, you joined a different one. In 2019, you switched again, and now in 2025, you’re moving once more to another party—all under the guise of rescuing Nigeria. Who exactly are you rescuing? Certainly not the country.”
According to Wike, the frustration many Nigerians feel is not directed at the current administration but is rather a reflection of disappointment in past governments that failed to deliver meaningful progress. “People had the opportunity to be in government for several years,” he noted.
“They had the power to develop their states and improve infrastructure but failed to do so. Back then, nobody seemed angry. But now that they are out of power, they claim Nigerians are angry. This hypocrisy must stop.”
The Minister also cited national issues that were mishandled under previous administrations, including the bombing of trains and the ballooning of national debt with little to show for it.
He drew a contrast with the Tinubu administration, which he said has already taken courageous steps to bring about positive change.
Wike praised President Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy, a move he said has significantly boosted monthly federal allocations to states.
He further highlighted transformative initiatives within the FCT under the current administration, such as the appointment of competent individuals as Permanent Secretaries, the exit of the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to enable more agile infrastructure funding, and the full rehabilitation of the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, which has led to increased revenue generation.
He urged the Nigerian public, particularly the Christian community, to remain prayerful and patient as the administration works to address years of accumulated national challenges.
“These problems didn’t arise overnight. It will take bold decisions and collective sacrifice to resolve them,” Wike said, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to contribute to national development and for assembling a capable team under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier during the service, Venerable Benjamin Idume, the Archdeacon and Vicar of St. James Anglican Church, commended President Tinubu for appointing Wike, describing the appointment as divinely ordained. “I thank God your appointment was sustained,” he said. “You have proven your critics wrong.”
Idume praised Wike’s performance in the FCT and offered prayers for his continued success and protection. He also applauded the leadership of President Tinubu, characterizing his direction as visionary and transformative.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Senator David Jimkuta, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaehule; and former governors of Abia, Benue, and Enugu States—Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, respectively.
Also in attendance were Senator Philip Aduda, former FCT Senator; Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Executive Secretary of the FCDA; top officials of the FCTA; and various chairpersons of FCT Area Councils.