Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused opposition politicians of playing down President Bola Tinubu’s achievements for political gain, insisting that rivalry should not stop Nigerians from acknowledging what the administration has done.
Wike, who spoke at a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, said the president deserved credit for his performance, regardless of party affiliations, arguing that the quest to take power should not become an excuse to discredit the government.
“Whether anybody likes it or not, Mr President has done well,” Wike said.
The minister, who is backing the emerging Rainbow Coalition in support of Tinubu’s re-election, said the initiative was partly driven by the need to challenge what he described as unfair criticism of the president’s administration.
He argued that opposition politicians should be able to acknowledge areas of progress without being accused of abandoning their parties, insisting that political differences should not prevent cooperation in the national interest.
“Politics must not be played as a do-or-die affair,” he said.
Wike cited remarks attributed to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, as an example of an opposition figure recognising aspects of Tinubu’s performance, arguing that support for the president should not be viewed solely through the lens of party membership.
He maintained that political leaders should be willing to acknowledge developments they consider beneficial to the country, even when such positions do not align with their parties’ electoral interests.
The former Rivers State governor also defended the Rainbow Coalition, which brings together APC members and supporters of Tinubu from other political parties, saying the arrangement was designed to mobilise broader support for the president ahead of the 2027 general election.
Wike insisted that the coalition was not intended to erase political differences but to create room for cooperation among individuals united by the goal of securing Tinubu’s re-election.
He said the initiative reflected the realities of Nigeria’s political landscape, where local interests and competing affiliations sometimes require approaches beyond conventional party lines.
The minister cited his role in coordinating support for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State, arguing that political leadership also involved persuading people with different interests to work towards a common objective.
He said the coalition would continue to accommodate supporters willing to work for the president’s re-election, whether or not they belonged to the APC.
Wike also called for greater scrutiny of politicians seeking public office, insisting that candidates should be prepared to answer questions about their past decisions and stewardship of public resources.
He said such scrutiny was necessary to promote accountability and enable Nigerians to make informed choices, rather than allow partisan claims alone to shape their judgment of political leaders.
