Opposition Gathers Momentum as ADC Slams Wike over Coalition Criticism, Accuses Him of Fear and Desperation

 

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has come out strongly against Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his comments during a media chat on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The opposition party condemned what it described as a “verbal assault” on leaders of a recently launched coalition of opposition parties, asserting that the Minister’s comments reveal deep panic within the ranks of the current administration.

During the media interaction, Wike criticized the coalition movement and accused its leaders of being motivated by personal grievances. However, the ADC, in a strongly worded statement signed by Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman for the coalition, insisted that Wike's remarks were laced with fear and desperation. According to the ADC, the Minister’s attacks are not only unprovoked but unbecoming of a public servant of his stature.

The coalition, which brings together various opposition parties with the aim of forming a unified front against the current government, has been gaining traction in political circles and among Nigerians disillusioned by unmet promises and worsening economic realities.

Bolaji Abdullahi’s statement did not hold back in its assessment of Wike’s conduct, stating that his recent outburst could only be interpreted as a sign of nervousness in the face of a growing opposition force. The ADC noted that the coalition’s unveiling has rattled key figures in the government, especially those like Wike who are perceived as central to the administration’s political strategies.

Observers say the party’s response marks a new phase of heightened political confrontation as Nigeria’s opposition camps consolidate their efforts. The ADC stressed that the coalition is not built on personal vendettas, as Wike alleged, but rather on the deep-rooted dissatisfaction of the Nigerian people over the government's failure to deliver on its promises.

The statement did not shy away from highlighting specific grievances, citing the prolonged strike by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory. The ADC accused Wike of ignoring the plight of these workers, instead choosing to focus on lavish projects which the party described as “white elephant” ventures running into billions of naira.

Rather than address core governance issues such as education, security, and workers’ welfare, Wike has been more interested in superficial achievements meant to impress onlookers but not improve lives, the ADC claimed. The party warned that such priorities only deepen the divide between the government and the people it claims to serve.

ADC’s spokesman further argued that if the administration had fulfilled its promises, the current political coalition would not have found fertile ground among Nigerians. The party insisted that the growing momentum behind the opposition is a natural response to unmet expectations and increasing hardship in the country.

Criticism was also leveled at Wike’s past political maneuvers, particularly his role in what the ADC described as the “destruction” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once one of the strongest political forces in Africa. The ADC accused him of compromising the PDP for personal and political gain, thereby weakening the broader democratic landscape in Nigeria.

Describing the mood across the nation, the party pointed to a widespread sense of hopelessness among citizens who feel betrayed by campaign promises of “renewed hope.” Instead of relief, many Nigerians have been met with worsening living conditions, inadequate access to education, rising insecurity, and a growing disconnect between public officials and the people.

Despite Wike’s comments, the ADC reaffirmed its commitment to the coalition’s cause. The party asserted that attempts to undermine the movement through insults and intimidation would ultimately fail, as the coalition is powered by public discontent rather than political ambition alone.

According to the statement, “no amount of tirade against the leaders of the coalition could stem the tide of this popular movement.” The ADC believes the coalition reflects the collective frustration of Nigerians who are tired of broken promises and eager for genuine change.

As political tensions rise, the ADC’s remarks add fuel to a fast-evolving political narrative, one where opposition voices are becoming increasingly coordinated and assertive. While Wike’s media appearance was intended to downplay the significance of the coalition, it appears to have only strengthened the resolve of its leaders and followers.

The road ahead looks set for a fierce contest between a government fighting to retain influence and an opposition alliance capitalizing on national dissatisfaction. Whether the coalition can sustain its momentum remains to be seen, but for now, it has certainly shaken the political establishment.