Wike: Tinubu Has Killed Opposition Coalition, Mocks Atiku, El-Rufai, Obi, Amaechi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the much-touted opposition coalition led by prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, and Rotimi Amaechi is already dead — thanks to President Bola Tinubu’s performance in office.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of key infrastructure projects in Abuja — including the Arterial Road N16 from Ring Road 1 to Arterial Road N20 in the Katampe district — Wike said the president’s developmental strides have “crippled any real threat of opposition unity ahead of 2027.”
“Your good work has killed the coalition. I was thinking that truly there would be a coalition, but when they see what is happening every day… they have no choice but to watch the good news,” Wike said, addressing President Tinubu directly at the event.
The former Rivers State governor, now a high-profile member of Tinubu’s cabinet, mockingly referenced the growing television coverage of the president’s activities, suggesting it has overwhelmed media narratives and demoralized opponents.
“If they turn to DBN, TVC, they are watching Mr. President. If they go to Channels, NTA, even Arise — it’s Mr. President. For 17 days, there is nothing they can do,” he quipped.
Wike, known for his fiery political rhetoric, also took a swipe at the opposition coalition which, according to former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, is being formed with the aim of unseating Tinubu in 2027. The group includes former rivals now exploring strategic collaboration after the 2023 elections.
But Wike believes Tinubu’s infrastructure push and governance record in the FCT and beyond have already dismantled any hope of a successful opposition alliance.
“Abuja people say I should tell you that they are happy. Please help us so that these people who are not happy — their BP will keep going up,” Wike said sarcastically, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Background:
The opposition coalition, involving former presidential aspirants and key power brokers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others, has stirred significant speculation about a possible mega-party or cross-party alliance to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential race.
However, divisions, ambition clashes, and loyalty shifts — like Wike’s move into Tinubu’s camp — have raised doubts over the coalition’s viability.
As political tensions heat up ahead of 2027, Wike’s public confidence in Tinubu’s dominance sends a clear message: the APC intends to make governance performance a central campaign tool, while aggressively undermining the credibility and unity of any emerging opposition bloc.
