Oct 13, 2026

Wike: Opposition Only Wants Power, Tinubu Has Done Well

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Abuja, Nigeria—October 13, 2026—Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed concern over the attitude of the opposition, insisting that President Bola Tinubu has performed well and that critics are primarily driven by a desire to take over power.

Speaking during a media chat aired on Channels Television, Wike said the opposition’s posture remains worrying.

“The way the opposition is going now is a bit of a concern to us… Whether you have done anything to the satisfaction of Nigerians, the opposition will say, ‘Look, they [the ruling party] have not done anything. We want to take over power.’

For us, we think the president [Tinubu] has done well; it’s just that the opposition wants to take over power,” the minister stated.

Defending the Administration’s Record

Wike’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. The minister, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while serving in the APC-led government, has continued to publicly support Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He has repeatedly argued that the administration’s reforms and infrastructure projects in the FCT and beyond demonstrate tangible progress, even as many Nigerians continue to feel the effects of economic adjustments.

Broader Political Context

The remarks form part of Wike’s ongoing engagement with the media and stakeholders. In recent days, he has also declared himself the field commander of Tinubu’s campaign in the FCT and Rivers State under his Rainbow Coalition platform, urging politicians across party lines to work together for the president’s second term.

Opposition figures and some APC leaders have criticized aspects of Wike’s cross-party approach, but the minister has maintained that support for Tinubu at the presidential level does not require abandoning other political interests.

As the 2027 race gathers pace, Wike’s strong defence of the president underscores the deepening alliances and tensions shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.