Wike Attacks Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Calls Them Liars

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (Nyesom Wike) has described leading opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, as “known liars,” accusing them of misleading Nigerians with claims of offering a credible alternative to the country’s existing political order.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike criticised opposition parties for what he described as contradictions exposed during their recent primary elections, particularly the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He argued that parties presenting themselves as agents of reform had failed to conduct credible internal processes, raising questions about their capacity to govern effectively.

“They said they are the saviours that will come. What has happened now? NDC said, ‘We are the new face of democracy.’ ADC said theirs is a party that has not been polluted… Everything has become so dirty,” he said.

Wike also criticised the conduct of opposition primaries, saying even small-scale internal elections were marred by disputes and protests.

“See what has happened in the NDC. As small as they are, they cannot conduct a primary without protest,” he said.

He further faulted the ADC, which he said had positioned itself as a coalition aimed at rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from alleged distortions by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Look at the ADC that said it is a coalition to take over from the APC… What has happened?” he queried.

Wike claimed that the controversies during the congresses exposed hypocrisy among opposition leaders who often criticise other parties for electoral flaws.

“Two presidential aspirants said they could not believe what was happening and questioned why they were engaging in the same practices they had accused others of,” he said.

He maintained that the developments had unmasked attempts by opposition leaders to present themselves as political messiahs.

“Who is deceiving who? Who is coming to Nigerians to tell them that they are the new-born baby and the messiah of our time?” he asked.

“Nigerians have now known that they are all liars. They cannot continue to deceive the people,” he added.

Wike also recalled past criticisms of the ruling and opposition parties, saying the latest events had validated concerns about internal party weaknesses across the political spectrum.

He concluded that, based on recent experiences, established political parties remain better suited to Nigeria’s political realities.