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By Myke Agunwa
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has mocked politicians behind the national mega coalition, which on Wednesday, took over the structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as an assemblage of failed politicians desperate to hijack power in 2027.
In a media chat on Thursday in Abuja, Wike noted that former Senator President, David Mark wanted to be chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but was resisted and has now gone to take that of the ADC.
He said, “I heard David Mark say they want to rescue Nigeria, that Nigerians are not happy. But the man was Senate President for eight years, and Nigerians were happy? There was no single project in Oturkpo. Not one! He was flying with a helicopter to Oturkpo. Nigerians were not angry then, but they are angry now?”
He added that Mark, as leader of the PDP in his area, lost elections, as his daughter, who ran under the All Progressives Congress (APC), won to the House of Representatives.
“Amaechi was minister. He took Chinese loans and made Nigeria so indebted to China. So, Nigerians were happy then?
“When you were in power, Nigerians were happy, but the moment you are no longer in power, Nigerians are no longer happy.
“I saw Sirika. What happened to Air Nigeria? Nigerians were happy then? When they went to APC in 2013 and took over power, Nigerians were happy, but no longer happy today?
“Was it under Tinubu’s government that banditry came? What is he doing? To solve the problems he met?
“I read what Malami wrote. It was so shameful. He was AGF. What did he do? What was his contribution to resolving the security challenges?
“Tambuwal was Speaker for four years. What did he do to make Nigerians not be angry? He was governor for eight years. What did he do? What kind of politics are we playing?” he queried.
Wike added that the former sports minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, only moved to the ADC because he has fallen out with his godfather, Senator Bukola Saraki.
He said the only party today that can still challenge Tinubu is the PDP if they put their house in order.
Wike urged Nigerians to consider the rationale behind the coalition, noting that it is made up of individuals who are angry because they are no longer in power.
“Nigerians need to be careful of these group of Nigerians who are angry because they left power.
“Nigerians know everybody. For how long would you continue to deceive them? Who would want to give listening ear to these kind of people?” he stated.
He added that the opposition has decimated itself ahead of the general elections in 2027.
“The opposition has decimated itself,” he said.
Recall that David Mark, Atiku, and others recently adopted the African Democratic Congress as a coalition to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Some of those at the event were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party LP, Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba Ahmed; former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr. Babachir Lawal;
Some former APC NWC members who were there included the former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former spokesman of the APC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi; former Caretaker National Secretary of APC, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe; and, former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, Salihu Moh. Lukman.
The roll call also included four ministers in the Muhammadu Buhari administration – Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation); Rauf Aregbesola (Interior); Ibrahim Malami SAN (Attorney General and Minister of Justice); and, Barr. Solomon Dalung (Sports).
Others were former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai; Gen. Tunde Ogbeha (retd), former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Uche Secondus; former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; former Governor of Adamawa state, Jubrilla Bindow; former Imo state Governor, Emeka Ihedioha; former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Senator Ishaku Abbo; former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, Salihu Moh. Lukman; Senator Dino Melaye; Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Ireti Kingibe; and activist, Aisha Yesufu.
The list also included former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba; former Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; Senator Lee Maeba; former Inspector General of Police IGP MD Abubakar; former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswan; Ovation publisher, Aare Dele Momodu; former Presidential adviser, Kashim Imam; Senator Enyinaya Abaribe; Dr Mani Ibrahim; Ms Lauretta Onochie; ex-Rivers Governor, Celestine Omehia; Maryam Inna Ciroma; Senator Aishatu Binani; former Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada; former deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi; and, Senator Victor Ume