Wike Defends Tinubu's Performance Amid Criticism

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused opposition politicians of misleading Nigerians about President Bola Tinubu’s performance. He insists that political rivalry should not stop people from recognizing the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Wike spoke during a media session in Abuja on Tuesday. He defended Tinubu’s record and criticized opposition figures who, according to him, painted the administration as having done nothing.

"Whether anybody likes it or not, Mr President has done well," Wike said.

He argued that political competition should not force opposition parties to dismiss every action of a sitting government, especially when there are signs of progress.

"Politics must not be played as a do-or-die affair," he said.

Wike mentioned that the new coalition supporting Tinubu’s re-election was partly driven by the need to challenge what he called unfair criticism of the President’s government.

He pointed to comments from Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed as an example of an opposition figure recognizing some of Tinubu’s accomplishments.

Wike said support for the President could come from beyond the All Progressives Congress and should not automatically be seen as betraying opposition politics.

He defended the Rainbow Coalition, which includes APC members and supporters of Tinubu from other political parties. He described it as a way to gather more support for the President.

Wike emphasized that the initiative aimed to keep political differences while creating space for cooperation towards a common electoral goal.

He highlighted his role in rallying support for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State, even though there are competing interests in both places.

Wike argued that a political leader’s strength can be seen in their ability to get supporters to back a specific action.

The minister said the coalition would continue to welcome people willing to help Tinubu’s re-election, no matter their party background.

In a separate comment shared by Channels Television on X, Wike rejected claims that the reported political ticket of Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi was gaining much support, especially in northern Nigeria.

When asked about claims that the ticket was becoming popular in the North, Wike referred to Amaechi’s town hall meeting in Cross River State.

"I watched Amaechi; he had a town hall meeting in Cross River. I counted the number; they were not up to 200 people," Wike said, according to Channels Television.

Wike’s remarks come as political activities ramp up ahead of the 2027 general election. Political parties and figures are positioning themselves for the upcoming contest.

The minister insisted that Nigerians should judge Tinubu’s administration based on its record, not on partisan claims.