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| Wike Labels ADC ‘Gang of Failed Politicians’ as Opposition Finds New Platform |
When Federal Capital Territory minister Nyesom Wike spoke on July 3, 2025, he hit hard at the African Democratic Congress. He called its new leadership a “gang of failed and expired politicians” with nothing fresh to offer Nigerians . His barbs came just as the anti-Tinubu coalition settled on ADC as its platform for the 2027 polls .
Wike took aim at each coalition leader. He said former Senate President David Mark ruled for eight years but left Otukpo with no single project . Mark’s own daughter then won a House seat under the APC, showing voters rejected his record . Wike asked if Nigerians were truly better off during Mark’s tenure.
Next was Rotimi Amaechi, ex-governor and later minister. Wike blamed him for piling up Chinese debt with loans that left Nigeria more beholden to Beijing . He questioned why Nigerians were content when Amaechi took power, only to grow angry under the current government.
He even mocked Hadi Sirika, ex-Aviation Minister, asking what happened to Air Nigeria under his watch . Wike touched on ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami’s poor record on security and former Speaker Aminu Tambuwal’s failure to curb anger among citizens .
Wike’s strongest warning was that the only way to rival President Tinubu is a united PDP. He urged PDP leaders to sort out their own house before chasing a coalition that, in his view, can’t win .
Yet the anti-Tinubu bloc has reasons to rally around ADC. Key figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai met late at night to seal the deal, choosing ADC for its legal framework and smaller brand baggage . They see ADC as flexible and free from deep splits that plague bigger parties.
In mid-June, the group even toyed with renaming itself the All Democratic Alliance to signal broader inclusion . But legal experts note that sticking to ADC’s existing structure speeds up fundraising and local party congresses ahead of 2027.
Not all ADC leaders back the takeover. Some state chairmen warned of internal rifts and urged patience while talks conclude . Others doubted if former big-name defectors could revive a party that has lingered on the fringes since 2005 .
History of ADC and Its Rise
ADC began in 2005 as a reform-focused party. It aimed to give young Nigerians a voice and champion inclusive governance . For years, it won few seats but stayed alive through local polls and alliances.
As cracks grew in the PDP after the 2023 elections, and APC claimed power under Bola Tinubu, ADC attracted attention from dissenting heavyweights . Some saw it as the only option outside the two main parties.
By May 2025, ADC’s national chairman, Dr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu, said the party would stand at the “heart of a new opposition coalition” . He vowed to finish coalition talks within two weeks .
Wike is part of the Tinubu cabinet. He fears any strong bloc could harm the ruling party’s image. He called the anti-Tinubu coalition “dead on arrival,” citing personal bias and mixed motives among its leaders .
His view is that many coalition members failed in past roles. He stressed that headline-grabbers do not equal lasting impact. Wike urged Nigerians to judge by projects and outcomes, not street protests.
Atiku’s camp denied adopting ADC at once. They said talks were still fluid and that no formal decisions had been taken . They argue that ADC offers a fresh start and lets them draft new rules free from old party feuds.
Peter Obi’s backers say ADC could energize youth who feel left out by PDP and APC alike. They claim the party’s centrist image might attract moderate voters tired of extremes.
Dr. Funmi Oladeji, political analyst at University of Lagos, says coalitions in Nigeria often struggle. She notes such blocs need shared vision and clear leadership to work . She doubts if ADC has systems to handle big names and their financial demands.
Mr. Chukwuemeka Umeh, veteran journalist, sees a chance for ADC to grow if it avoids factional fights. He says its small size could be a strength if leaders unite behind a single candidate.
Ms. Amina Suleiman, democratic reform advocate, warns that big defections could breed resentment among grassroots ADC members. She urges coalition builders to include local voices in decision-making.
APC has deep funds and a nationwide network. PDP still claims a solid base in the south and north. ADC must blend fresh energy with veteran know-how.
The coalition’s next steps include drafting a new constitution for ADC to ease entry of defectors. It must register new local branches fast and raise funds for primaries.
Wike’s jab may backfire if ADC unites and rolls out credible candidates. His warnings only sharpen focus on defects in bigger parties. Many Nigerians say they want new faces, not recycled names.
ADC story remains unfinished business far from over yet both sides have plenty time to shape narratives effectively by 2027. Both camps maneuver quickly now forging alliances slyly under radar. Wike’s critique tests ADC’s resolve. The coalition must show it can learn from past failures.
Nigerians will watch which offers clear plans on jobs, security, and debt management. As Wike says, records matter. But so do fresh ideas. If ADC can balance both, it may surprise critics.