Wike: Opposition Cries Manipulation in Defeat, Celebrates Victory When It Wins

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused Nigeria’s opposition parties of applying double standards to elections, saying they blame the Federal Government for manipulation when they lose but celebrate their political strength when they emerge victorious.

Wike spoke on Tuesday in Abuja while reacting to the outcome of the Osun State governorship election, where the opposition secured victory.

The former Rivers State governor praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for allowing the electoral process to proceed without interference, saying the approach was different from the atmosphere surrounding the 2023 general election.

Reflecting on the previous presidential election, Wike said, “2023 was a tough election for him. Nobody knew what the government at the time was trying to do, and even governors were afraid.”

He maintained that the political uncertainty witnessed in 2023 would not be repeated during the 2027 presidential election.

“When they lose, they claim the government manipulated the process; when they win, they show off their might. It does not work that way,” he said.

“From what I have seen, this government allows processes to run their own way, and they must be given credit for that,” Wike added.

The minister predicted that President Tinubu would face little difficulty securing victory in 2027, describing the opposition as “crippled and depleted.”

He argued that an opposition seeking to defeat an incumbent must be properly organised and prepared over several years.

“To remove a government, you need a strong, vibrant opposition that has spent over four years planning, not one that is constantly looking for a party to join,” Wike said.

Wike also took aim at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pointing to divisions among its leaders and what he described as disappointing performances in recent governorship elections.

He said the political alliance involving the G5 governors, which played a significant role in the 2023 election, would not necessarily have the same impact on the 2027 national contest.

“Governorship elections rely on local variables, but a national election is a completely different ballgame. If it is this 2027 election against Bola Ahmed Tinubu, forget it. It is over,” he declared.

On the economic situation in the country, Wike said Nigerians should focus on measurable efforts by leaders to solve problems rather than judge leadership based solely on public sentiment.

“Leadership is defined by the steps you take to solve problems. When someone identifies a problem and takes concrete action to fix it, that is the effort people should appreciate,” he said.

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