Wike Challenges Opposition Coalition: Show Your Scorecard, Not Empty Claims

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Abuja-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized the newly formed opposition coalition, urging its members to present their achievements while in office rather than claiming Nigerians are dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Aguma Palace–New Market–Radio Nigeria road in Gwagwalada, Wike questioned the timing of the coalition’s formation, barely 18 months after President Tinubu’s inauguration.

According to Wike, the coalition’s formation is a clear indication of the members’ desperation to regain power. He emphasized that the coalition members, including former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Senate President David Mark, are angry because they are out of power, and he insisted they will not be allowed to return.

Wike challenged the coalition members to present a record of their achievements while in office, rather than making empty claims about the current administration’s performance.

He said: “Everybody, show your scorecard,” highlighting his administration’s achievements in the FCT. “We’ve been here 16 days, and we’re already showing our scorecard.”

“Operation ‘show your scorecard’,” he added, stating that the coalition members had failed to make Nigerians happy while in office. “God gave you the opportunity to be in office and make Nigerians happy, yet, according to you, you refused.”

Wike further criticized the coalition’s support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, pointing out his history of switching political parties since 1999.

“In 2023, they said they would support one man, whose business since 1999 has been jumping from one party to another,” he further stressed, highlighting Atiku’s frequent party switches.

The minister’s remarks reflect the ruling party’s confidence in their achievements and their dismissal of the opposition’s claims of widespread public dissatisfaction.

In his characteristic style, Wike asked rhetorically, “Were you born into coalition?” dismissing the coalition’s chances of unseating President Tinubu in 2027.

The minister’s assertion that the coalition members will not return to power has set the tone for a heated political battle ahead of the elections.

Wike’s challenge to the opposition coalition to show their scorecards has sparked a national conversation about accountability and good governance.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the Nigerian people will be watching closely to see how the ruling party and the opposition coalition deliver on their promises.