Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused members of the opposition coalition of attempting to incite public unrest through propaganda and false narratives, insisting that their efforts cannot overshadow the tangible achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Friday during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, Wike dismissed the coalition’s criticisms as bitter reactions to the administration’s progress. He said those pushing negative narratives are simply pained by the rapid infrastructural development occurring in the FCT.
“Mr. President has devoted 16 straight days to commissioning projects. I didn’t know people were so pained until I saw one of the so-called aspirants complaining that the President, Vice President, and other top officials are unveiling projects while they claim Nigerians are angry,” Wike said.
He ridiculed the opposition’s timeline, questioning how a coalition could begin forming just six months into Tinubu’s presidency. “You started forming a coalition 18 months ago for a government that’s just two years in office? When will you stop deceiving Nigerians?” he asked.
Wike challenged critics to present their own track records, pointing fingers at former public officials who now seek to return to power despite having held top offices with little to show for it. “You were Senate President for eight years, Speaker for four years, Minister of Transportation for eight. But today you say Nigerians are angry. What did you do then to make them happy?” he asked.
Recounting his own political victories, the former Rivers State governor said he had consistently defeated political godfathers and “super ministers” in past elections. He mocked the latest coalition effort ahead of 2027, saying, “Now in 2025, they form another coalition. Dem born you born coalition?”
Highlighting the community-driven nature of current projects, Wike said the Aguma Palace–New Market road was selected based on local requests. “We didn’t sit in the city and decide. We asked the people what they wanted, and this is what they chose,” he noted.
He commended local contractors executing several ongoing projects in the FCT, emphasizing that empowering Nigerian talent is central to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing calls by opposition figures for Nigerians to take to the streets, Wike dared them to start their protests in their home states, bringing their own children along. “Don’t send other people’s children to the streets while yours are in London,” he said.
The minister assured residents that the FCT Administration would continue to prioritize community needs, expand rural infrastructure, and maintain its people-first approach. “Let those who don’t want to be happy stay unhappy. As for me, I’m always happy,” he concluded.
