Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused opposition politicians of misleading Nigerians about President Bola Tinubu’s performance, insisting that partisan rivalry should not prevent an objective assessment of his administration.
Wike, who spoke during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, argued that Tinubu deserved recognition for what he described as the administration’s achievements, regardless of political affiliations.
He said the emerging coalition supporting the president’s re-election was partly driven by the need to counter what he considered unfair criticism of the government.
“Whether anybody likes it or not, Mr President has done well,” Wike said.
The minister criticised opposition politicians who, he argued, portrayed the administration as having achieved nothing simply because they wanted to take power.
“Politics must not be played as a do-or-die affair,” he said, urging political actors to distinguish between constructive criticism and attempts to discredit opponents for electoral advantage.
Wike cited remarks attributed to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed as an example of an opposition figure acknowledging aspects of Tinubu’s performance.
He argued that recognising the president’s achievements should not automatically be interpreted as a betrayal of opposition politics, adding that the national interest should take precedence over partisan calculations.
The minister also defended the Rainbow Coalition, which brings together APC members and supporters of Tinubu from other political parties, describing it as a platform for mobilising broader support for the president’s re-election.
He maintained that the coalition was not designed to eliminate political differences but to encourage cooperation among individuals united by a common electoral objective.
Wike said the initiative recognised Nigeria’s diverse political interests and the need to accommodate local realities, citing his role in coordinating support for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State.
He added that political leadership required the ability to persuade people from different backgrounds to embrace a shared goal, regardless of their party affiliations.
The minister’s comments come amid political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general election, as political parties and key figures position themselves for the contest.
Wike also called for greater scrutiny of politicians seeking public office, arguing that candidates should be prepared to account for their past decisions and stewardship of public resources.
He insisted that voters should assess political leaders based on their records and hold them accountable, rather than rely solely on partisan claims.