ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed Nigeria’s opposition parties as “fragmented entities” and declared that the path is clear for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting projects in Abuja on Monday, Wike mocked the internal squabbles within opposition camps, saying their recent public admissions of manipulation and rigging have vindicated his long-standing position that their structures are compromised.
“They all gathered and said, ‘This government is not doing well. We are the face of the new people; we are the ones that will give the people the change that they require.’ They also claimed they wanted to make life better. However, recent statements from Babachir Lawal regarding internal manipulation and ‘rigging machines’ within the opposition proved that their grand alliance had collapsed before even starting,” Wike said.
Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, resigned from the African Democratic Congress on Monday, alleging that the party’s presidential primary was rigged in favor of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Wike seized on the development, insisting that experienced politicians knew from the start that the opposition’s framework was tilted toward Abubakar.
“I said it in the morning, if you are a politician, you will understand that the structure was set for Abubakar. There is no need to worry yourself to say you want to participate as a coalition party. There is no coalition,” Wike asserted. He added that criticisms coming from within the opposition’s own ranks show that “things are really very bad in their so-called mushroom political parties.”
Reassuring supporters of the current administration, Wike said Nigerians should not lose sleep over threats of a united opposition front ahead of the next general election cycle. “So, we are happy. You can see the coast is very clear for the President to be re-elected in 2027,” he said.
Some APC loyalists welcomed Wike’s remarks, saying they reflect the ruling party’s strength. Opposition figures, however, accused him of arrogance and of dismissing legitimate grievances about governance. Analysts warned that such rhetoric risks deepening political polarization. Advocacy groups argued that Wike’s comments trivialize Nigeria’s democratic process. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre said dismissing opposition parties undermines pluralism and weakens checks on government power.
Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) reacted sharply. Supporters of Tinubu amplified Wike’s statement with hashtags like #CoastClear2027 and #WikeSpeaksTruth, while critics pushed back with #OppositionMatters and #DemocracyNotDictatorship. One user wrote: “Mocking opposition is mocking democracy itself.” Another posted: “Wike is right, opposition is in disarray, but Nigerians deserve better than recycled politicians.”
Celebrities and influencers also weighed in, urging both government and opposition to focus on insecurity and economic hardship rather than political infighting.
Wike’s remarks highlight the fragility of Nigeria’s opposition coalitions and project confidence for Tinubu’s administration ahead of 2027. But critics argue that dismissing opposition struggles as “lies” ignores the broader demand for reform, accountability, and credible alternatives in Nigeria’s democracy.
