Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a fierce attack on leaders of the newly revived African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as a “gang of failed and expired politicians” who lack credible solutions to Nigeria’s problems. Wike’s remarks came during his monthly press briefing on Thursday, where he addressed the opposition coalition that recently adopted the ADC as their political platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The coalition, unveiled a day earlier, includes prominent figures such as former Senate President David Mark, who now chairs the ADC, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who serves as the national secretary. Other members include former leaders and associates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party. While the APC has remained relatively stable, the PDP and Labour Party have been grappling with internal crises since the 2023 presidential election.

Wike criticised David Mark’s assertion that the coalition was formed to rescue Nigeria, questioning his leadership during his tenure as Senate President. He accused Mark of failing to bring development to his hometown of Otukpo and described his new political mission as hypocritical. He also targeted former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, blaming him for plunging Nigeria into heavy debt through Chinese loans, and former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika over the failed national carrier project. According to Wike, billions were spent on Air Nigeria without results.

Wike did not spare former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, whom he accused of failing to improve national security during his eight-year tenure. He further lambasted former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal for what he described as a lackluster record both as a legislator and an executive. He criticised former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi for defecting to the ADC out of desperation after falling out with his political ally, Bukola Saraki.

Despite his criticism, Wike acknowledged that the PDP remains the only credible opposition party that can challenge President Tinubu, provided the party resolves its internal disputes. He dismissed the ADC coalition as a collection of recycled politicians who failed Nigerians while in power, stating that their sudden concern for the country’s wellbeing is disingenuous.

Echoing Wike’s sentiments, the Presidency described the ADC coalition as a desperate attempt to seize power. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, criticised the coalition in a statement posted via his verified X handle. Dare argued that the group lacks ideology, political structure, and moral justification. He described the coalition’s formation as a personal ambition disguised as national interest and noted that its members do not possess the influence or grassroots support of former APC leaders who led the 2013 merger that unseated then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dare stated that no member of the coalition has the capacity to unite the country, arguing that their alliance is driven by opportunism rather than national purpose. He praised President Tinubu’s political maturity during the APC formation, noting that he delayed his presidential ambition to help build a viable opposition. Dare further claimed that the coalition is built around a serial election loser seeking a final shot at the presidency.

Meanwhile, the coalition has been met with criticism from within the ADC. Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, accused the coalition leaders of hijacking the party for selfish purposes. Speaking in Abuja, Kachikwu alleged that the alliance was crafted to secure the 2027 presidential ticket for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the move as a betrayal of the power rotation principle. He challenged the coalition to declare a southern candidate if they truly believe in equity and fairness.

Kachikwu argued that the coalition leaders were long-standing political elites who were now attempting to manipulate the system for personal gain. He described their takeover of the ADC as a backdoor arrangement and warned that the same individuals who failed Nigeria in the past cannot lead its recovery.

In response to Kachikwu’s claims, former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who is also a member of the coalition, stated that the alliance is committed to retaining power in the South come 2027. Appearing on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Amaechi did not confirm whether he would be a candidate but maintained that the principle of power rotation would be upheld.

Reacting to Wike’s comments, coalition spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said the minister’s remarks reflected a deep fear of the coalition’s potential impact. Abdullahi accused Wike of neglecting workers in the FCT while spending billions on white elephant projects. He said that if the government had fulfilled its promises to Nigerians, the need for a new coalition would not have arisen.

Abdullahi rejected the claim that the coalition was grievance-driven, stating that its motivation stems from the government’s failure to address widespread poverty, insecurity, and a collapsing education sector. He accused Wike of being used to weaken the PDP and stressed that the coalition represents the aspirations of the Nigerian people who have grown weary of broken promises. He concluded by asserting that no amount of criticism would derail the growing support for the coalition.