Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stinging critique of Nigeria’s opposition politics, dismissing the coalition as a cynical ploy by political elites desperate to reclaim power.
“You were in power for eight years, and Nigeria was already neck-deep in debt to China under your watch. What did you do to stop Nigerians from suffering then?” Wike challenged, in a pointed reference to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He described the coalition’s rhetoric about “rescuing Nigeria” as both “deceitful and insulting,” arguing that those behind the effort had failed in governance but now sought to leverage public anger for political gain.
“Nigerians are not angry because you lost power. They’re angry because you failed them. Stop playing politics with their pain,” he said.
Responding to ongoing questions about the fragile political peace in Rivers State, Wike insisted that despite tensions, peace had largely returned. He dismissed suggestions that the calm was temporary or artificial.
“Is there peace all the time anywhere? No. But we’ve prayed and worked for peace in Rivers. That’s what matters,” he said.
“If you’re asking whether peace is for a short time or a long time, I say peace is peace. People who want crisis are no longer benefiting, and that’s why they’re angry.”
He criticised those exploiting the situation for financial or political gain, alleging that some individuals had built careers out of opposing him.
“There are people who went on live television just to abuse Wike and get paid. Now that money has stopped flowing. Are they supposed to be happy?” he asked.
On the schism within the PDP, Wike denied orchestrating a crackdown on a factional caucus meeting, insisting that the national leadership had formally requested security arrangements.
“The National Chairman and Secretary asked for security support. That meeting was held. If another group was locked out, maybe it’s because they’re not officially recognised,” he said.
He accused internal rivals of trying to hijack party structures after failing to secure top leadership roles.
“The noise started when they couldn’t get the National Chairman or Secretary. Now they cry ‘coalition’ because they’ve lost relevance,” he said.
Amid accusations of betrayal for cooperating with the APC-led federal government, Wike defended his position, stating that loyalty to party should not override commitment to national development.
“I’m still in PDP. I haven’t left. However, I support what is good for Nigeria. Didn’t PDP governors back Buhari in the past? Why is mine different?” he asked.
He argued that many of these actors, frustrated by their inability to dominate PDP leadership, were now forming or joining coalitions disguised as movements of public interest.
Wike didn’t spare the voters as he criticised the electorate for enabling bad leadership by voting along ethnic and religious lines rather than merit.
“You vote for tribe and religion, not competence. Then you complain. If I support a party, I must be able to say what they’ve achieved. You should do the same,” he advised.
Wike warned both political elites and opposition figures against viewing governance as a game, pointing out that power must not be achieved at the expense of national stability.
“We must stop playing politics with people’s lives. If PDP wants to challenge this government, let it do so with integrity, not through blackmail and manipulation,” he stated.
