The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised opposition parties over controversies surrounding their congresses and primary elections, saying recent developments have exposed their claims of promoting internal democracy.

Wike made the remarks during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday while commenting on disputes that emerged from recent exercises conducted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Wike Questions Opposition’s Claims

According to the former Rivers State governor, opposition parties had consistently accused larger political parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of imposing candidates on members.

He argued that the same allegations are now being directed at parties that previously presented themselves as a better alternative.

“You hear people talk about a particular party not doing something and promise that they are going to change the pattern. You have accused the APC of imposition, the PDP of imposition,” Wike said.

“Now you have formed a new party, a new baby, a righteous baby. The messiah, the saviour that would come, what has happened now?”

ADC, NDC Come Under Criticism

Wike cited disputes that followed congresses and primary elections in ADC and NDC, saying the controversies weakened their public image.

“ADC said they are the new face of democracy; they said it’s the kind of party that has not been polluted. What has happened is so dirty,” he said.

“See what is happening in NDC. As small as they are, they cannot do a primary without protest.”

The minister also referred to complaints raised by aspirants during party exercises, describing them as evidence of internal problems.

Reference to ADC Presidential Primary

Wike specifically mentioned the ADC presidential primary, which was rejected by presidential aspirants Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen over alleged irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.

“Look at ADC, which said it’s a coalition to take over. While the congress was going on, two presidential aspirants came to say we cannot believe this, saying it’s criminality of the highest order, which tells you who is deceiving whom,” he said.

Preference for Established Parties

The FCT minister said Nigerians should assess political parties based on their actions rather than campaign promises.

“Nigerians now know that you are all liars,” he added.

Wike maintained that older political parties, despite their shortcomings, have gained experience in managing Nigeria’s political system.

“My assessment is that I prefer the old parties that are already there. They have tested it and know what the Nigerian culture is all about,” he said.