Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has downplayed the prospects of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the party lacks the grassroots structure required to challenge the ruling party.
Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike reacted to claims that the opposition forces, including the ADC may stand a better chance to defeat the incumbent if they stand united ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“It is really unfortunate. Let me tell you something. I don’t know why you’re saying that they are rising,” Wike said.
“Mention the states where they are rising. I don’t like this newspaper politics.”
The former Rivers State governor stressed that electoral success in Nigeria is driven largely by grassroots organisation and local political structures, not media narratives.
“Anybody who is local understands that politics is local,” he said. “Look at the local structure, who are the council chairmen today? Who are the councillors today? It is difficult, no matter the amount of money you have, to uproot that. I’m not saying it’s not possible, but it is going to be very, very difficult.”
Wike also questioned the ability of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reclaim lost ground, suggesting that internal disorganisation has weakened its electoral chances.
“It is likely that PDP cannot have that chance now,” he stated. “That does not mean that PDP cannot win a state.”
Using Abuja as an example, the FCT minister argued that performance, not rhetoric, determines electoral outcomes.
“We have taken two years to talk about infrastructure in Abuja, security in Abuja, how do we fix sanitation in Abuja, nothing,” he said. “Local primaries will take place in Abuja in February. Do you think, as it is today, that PDP will win that election in the area councils with what this administration has done? It will be difficult.”
Wike concluded that opposition parties must first resolve internal issues and demonstrate tangible achievements if they hope to be competitive in future elections.
“For you to win, you must put your house in order,” he said. “You have to show what you’ve done.”
