Wike Urges Opposition to Acknowledge Tinubu’s Achievements, Warns Against Do-or-Die Politics

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged opposition parties in Nigeria to acknowledge what he considers the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning against turning politics into a do-or-die affair.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, where he criticised opposition politicians for allegedly dismissing the president’s performance simply because they want to take over power.

According to the minister, political differences should not prevent parties from recognising policies or actions they consider beneficial to the country.

He argued that opposition parties should offer constructive criticism and provide Nigerians with a balanced assessment of the government rather than portraying the ruling party as having accomplished nothing.

“The time has come that not because you are in the opposition party and then you say the man who is in charge of the affairs of the country has done nothing just because of the sake that I’m in opposition, that is not fair,” Wike said.

The FCT minister maintained that, in his view, the opposition’s primary objective appeared to be regaining political power, adding that this could affect its willingness to acknowledge the administration’s performance.

“For us, we think the president has done well, it’s just that the opposition wants to take over power,” he stated.

Wike also expressed concern over what he described as a failure by opposition parties to tell Nigerians the truth about developments in the country. He called on politicians across party lines to speak honestly about issues affecting national progress, regardless of their political affiliations.

“When you see something that will help your country, come out and say it, it doesn’t matter if you are in opposition or not,” he added.

His comments come amid political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and political figures positioning themselves for the next electoral contest. Wike’s remarks reinforce his call for a political culture in which national interest and honest evaluation of government performance take precedence over partisan rivalry.