The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused opposition politicians of misleading Nigerians by portraying President Bola Tinubu’s administration as having achieved nothing.
Wike made the allegation during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, during which he also defended the Rainbow Coalition, a group of political figures supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Whether anybody likes it or not, Mr President has done well,” Wike said.
He argued that political differences should not prevent leaders from acknowledging what they consider positive developments under the administration, adding that political competition should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
“Politics must not be played as a do-or-die affair,” he said.
Wike cited remarks attributed to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed as an example of how opposition politicians could acknowledge aspects of Tinubu’s performance without abandoning their political affiliations.
He said recognising the achievements of a government should not automatically be interpreted as a rejection of opposition politics, arguing that national interest should take precedence over party considerations when assessing government policies and their outcomes.
The minister also defended the Rainbow Coalition, which brings together APC members and Tinubu supporters from other political parties. He said the group was intended to mobilise support for the president’s re-election while accommodating people with different political affiliations.
Wike cited his involvement in coordinating support for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State, where competing political interests could affect electoral mobilisation.
He argued that a political leader’s influence could be measured by the ability to persuade supporters to back a particular political direction. He added that the coalition would remain open to people willing to support Tinubu’s re-election, regardless of their party affiliations.
Wike also called for scrutiny of politicians seeking higher office, saying candidates should be questioned about their previous decisions and management of public resources.
He said examining candidates’ records would help Nigerians make informed choices and keep electoral competition focused on accountability.
