WIKE ATTACKS ATIKU–AMAECHI TICKET, QUESTIONS THEIR RECORDS AND DEFENDS TINUBU’S POLICIES

By NaijaParrot October 13, 2026 

  ABUJA, NIGERIA —

 Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the opposition’s presidential ticket of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, questioning their records in public office while defending President Bola Tinubu’s policies ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during a media parley in Abuja, where he challenged opposition figures to account for their achievements in government rather than focus solely on criticising the current administration.

The FCT minister dismissed suggestions that the proposed Atiku–Amaechi ticket posed a significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid. He questioned the political strength of the alliance, pointing to a town hall meeting addressed by Amaechi in Cross River State. Wike claimed that the gathering attracted fewer than 200 people and used it to challenge assertions that the opposition ticket was gaining substantial support. His remarks reflect his assessment of the opposition’s political prospects. The attendance at a single event, however, does not by itself establish the level of support a candidate enjoys across the country. Wike also questioned Amaechi’s achievements during his years in public service, citing his time as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation. The minister challenged Amaechi and his supporters to identify projects and development initiatives they believed he had attracted to Rivers State and his community during his time in office. Wike argued that political leaders should be judged by their contributions to their communities, the projects they facilitate and the opportunities they create for others. These comments form part of the ongoing political disagreement between the two former Rivers State allies, who have taken opposing positions ahead of the 2027 elections. Turning to the Tinubu administration, Wike rejected claims that the President had achieved little since assuming office. “Whether anybody likes it or not, Mr President has done well,” the minister said. He argued that political competition should not prevent Nigerians from acknowledging what he considers the administration’s achievements. Wike also defended the emerging Rainbow Coalition, which brings together supporters of Tinubu from different political backgrounds to mobilise support for his expected re-election campaign in 2027. According to the minister, political cooperation across party lines should not automatically be interpreted as a betrayal of opposition politics, particularly when individuals believe the President’s policies deserve support. Wike also defended the Federal Government’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy had increased the funds available to state and local governments through federal allocations. He acknowledged that the decision had caused hardship but maintained that the sacrifice would not continue indefinitely. The subsidy removal remains a major subject of national debate, with supporters arguing that it frees up public resources for development, while critics point to higher living costs and the financial pressure on households. The policy’s overall impact continues to be assessed through its effects on public finances, inflation, transport costs and the welfare of Nigerians. Wike’s latest comments come as political parties and prominent figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the minister has expressed confidence in Tinubu’s performance and questioned the opposition’s record, Atiku, Amaechi and other opposition figures remain part of the broader political contest over the country’s leadership. Ultimately, voters will have to assess the candidates’ records, policy proposals and plans for addressing Nigeria’s economic and social challenges. Wike’s remarks represent his political assessment of the opposition and the Tinubu administration, while competing political groups continue to present different views of the government’s performance. NaijaParrot — Hear It First, Hear It True!