Nick Udenta
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the democratic values of the presidential candidates of ADC, Atiku, and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing them as hypocrites, who cannot offer Nigeria better governance.
Wike attacked them on Monday during his monthly media briefing in Abuja.
Referring to the recent primaries of the opposition parties, Wike said it exposed the contradictions between their public posturing and internal practices, saying that the controversies that trailed the congresses had undermined claims that the opposition parties offered a credible alternative to the country’s established political parties.
The FCT Minister excoriated them, saying that these are the parties and politicians who consistently accused the ruling party of undermining democracy but now face similar allegations within their own ranks.
Wike said, “They said they are the saviours, who will come and rescue Nigeria. What has happened now? They told Nigerians they were the new face of democracy and the alternative platform for change. But what we have seen is that even within their own structures, there are allegations of irregularities and protests over congresses and primaries.”
The minister said the developments had exposed attempts to deceive Nigerians with claims of moral superiority.
“Nigerians now know that they are all liars. They can’t continue deceiving the people,” he said, insisting that the developments should encourage Nigerians to critically assess political actors based on their conduct rather than campaign rhetoric.
He singled out Obi and accused him of avoiding struggle and only preferring a food is ready politics.
“In Nigeria, you must have the capacity to face challenges instead of running at the first sign of trouble. The worst kind of leader is someone who identifies a problem but cannot make decisions to solve it,” he said.
The minister, in response to an allegation by activist, Omoyele Sowore, insisted that no law barred him from owning a house in the United States.
Wike cautioned Sowore against peddling rumours against government officials.
He stated, “Sowore comes and sells all kinds of stories to you. Up till now why hasn’t he talked about the houses he claims I have in Florida? Where is it till today? Those are the kind of people you say are human rights activists.
“You can’t begin to peddle rumours against government officials, it’s not correct. There is no law that says I shouldn’t own a house anywhere. However, I don’t have a house there.”
Wike also dismissed the endorsement of former President Goodluck Jonathan by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintaining that someone who has not indicated he wants to run for an office or accepted the nomination cannot be picked.
Wike claimed Senator Sandy Onor was the party’s only recognised presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
He urged the police to arrest those projecting the candidacy of Jonathan and causing problem in the polity.
Wike said, “In Nigerian politics, a candidate is not known by mere body language. A candidate is someone who has contested an election, won, and had results declared with a certificate of return issued. It is wrong to project Jonathan as a presidential candidate when he himself has not spoken on the matter. I will not allow any breach of peace in the FCT.”
Wike said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised only the PDP national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, and not anybody’s private office or bedroom, saying the party’s official decisions can only emanate from its recognised organs and headquarters.
