The Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF) has taken a stand against Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accusing him of using his position to pursue personal political agendas rather than addressing the pressing issues facing Abuja.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by its spokesman, Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, the group urged Wike to focus on his core responsibilities in the FCT, which they claim are being overlooked amid growing insecurity and educational setbacks.
The NDF voiced concerns over the increasing crime rate and social challenges in the FCT, citing a rise in kidnappings and alarming dropout rates among school-aged children.
“The capital is grappling with serious issues that require a committed, steady leader,” the group said.
According to the NDF, statistics show a 35% increase in out-of-school children in the FCT over the past two years, a trend they attribute to the minister’s lack of focus on developmental priorities within the capital.
They further alleged that Wike, instead of concentrating on urgent developmental needs, has shifted his focus and federal resources to settle long-standing political conflicts in Rivers State, including disputes with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Rivers State government.
“It’s inappropriate for a Federal Minister to prioritize political vendettas over public duties or to allocate federal resources toward personal conflicts in Rivers State while urgent issues in Abuja go unaddressed,” the statement read.
Additionally, the NDF accused Wike of meddling in PDP-controlled states, attempting to destabilize local governance in Rivers, obstructing monthly federal allocations to local governments, and stalling democratic processes like local government elections.
The group condemned these moves as “mischievous” and warned they could increase tensions and damage the credibility of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.
“These actions suggest a broader intent to weaponize his office politically, potentially threatening governance and fueling regional tensions,” they cautioned.
“We call on the FCT Minister to abandon these diversions and focus on his duties. Nigerians don’t need more distractions. The political climate is already fragile, and pursuing personal ambitions at the expense of public welfare only deepens instability.
“Nigerians are tired of political theatrics; the FCT deserves a leader who prioritizes solutions over distractions. It’s time to focus on your responsibilities, Wike — or step aside,” the statement concluded.
