Wike Fires Back at Opposition: "You Can't Have It Both Ways" on Election Results.

FCT Minister Says 2027 Will Be a Walkover for Tinubu as Opposition "Cripples Itself"

In a no holds barred press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike took aim at Nigeria's opposition parties, calling out what he described as their hypocritical approach to election outcomes.

"They want to have it both ways," Wike said, referring to the just-concluded Osun State governorship election. "When they lose, the Federal Government manipulated everything. But when they win, suddenly it's all about their political strength and popularity. That's not how democracy works."

The minister, known for his fiery rhetoric, argued that President Bola Tinubu's administration deserves credit for allowing the Osun election to run its course without interference—a stark contrast, he claimed, to the climate of fear that surrounded the 2023 presidential election.

"Nobody knew what the government at the time was trying to do back in 2023. Even governors were afraid," Wike said. "But this administration? We let the process breathe."

2027: "It's Already Over"

When asked about the upcoming 2027 presidential election, Wike didn't mince words.

"If anyone thinks they're going to unseat Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, they need to wake up. It's over. It's done," he declared.

The minister dismissed the opposition as "crippled and depleted," pointing to what he sees as internal chaos and constant party hopping among opposition figures.

"You don't remove a sitting government with an opposition that's still trying to figure out which party to join. A serious challenge takes years of planning four years, at least not last minute scrambling," Wike said.

He singled out the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an example of opposition disarray, noting their internal divisions and poor showings in recent gubernatorial races.

"Governorship elections are local. Different dynamics, different factors. But a national election? That's a completely different beast. And against this administration in 2027? Forget it."

On the Economy: "Judge Us by Actions, Not Feelings"

Responding to growing public frustration over economic hardships, Wike urged Nigerians to look beyond political sentiments.

"Leadership isn't about what people feel—it's about what you actually do. When you identify a problem and take real, concrete steps to fix it, that's what deserves appreciation," he said.

He pointed to the administration's infrastructure projects in the FCT as evidence of action over talk, though he acknowledged that many Nigerians remain impatient with the pace of change.