Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike launched a scathing attack on former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola and other opposition figures during a thanksgiving service at Saint James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, on Sunday.
The event marked the successful commissioning of 16 projects in the nation’s capital.
Wike singled out Aregbesola, now Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, for particular criticism over his handling of passport issuance during his tenure as Interior Minister.
“You were Minister of Interior and to get an international passport, Nigerians had to wait for days, weeks, and months,” Wike said. “But look at a young man under this administration — within hours, passports are now issued. Yet, you talk about Nigerians being angry. They are angry because of your failure.”
The FCT minister contrasted Aregbesola’s performance with that of current Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose reforms have significantly reduced passport processing times.
Wike then turned his attention to other opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, mocking his frequent party switches.
“In 1999, you were in this party. In 2006, another party. In 2014, you moved again. In 2019, back to another party. Now in 2025, you’re moving again to ‘rescue’ who? It’s your stomach you’re trying to rescue, not Nigeria,” Wike said of Atiku.
He dismissed Atiku’s recent coalition talks, remarking: “You say you formed a coalition for 18 months — that’s barely six months after the president was sworn in. They can’t stay out of power, but unfortunately for them, their time has passed.”
Former Senate President David Mark also came under fire, with Wike questioning his legacy in his home community.
“You were Senate President for eight years, yet there was no road to your local government, Otukpo. You had to fly helicopters to go there. And now you say you want to rescue Nigeria?” Wike asked.
The minister saved some of his harshest criticism for former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of burdening Nigeria with excessive Chinese loans.
“Eight years as Speaker, eight years as Governor, eight years as Minister — now you say Nigerians are angry. Of course they are, you mortgaged their future with Chinese loans,” Wike stated.
He concluded with a sarcastic jab at Amaechi’s wife, reportedly referred to as an industrialist: “You say your wife is an industrialist, so you want to become president. Who shut down the industries? May God forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.”
Defiantly challenging his critics, Wike ended his remarks by inviting scrutiny of his work in Abuja: “Come and challenge us in Abuja — let’s see whether Abuja is working or not.”
The thanksgiving service celebrated the completion of 16 infrastructure projects across the FCT, which Wike has prioritized since assuming office. His combative remarks underscored the ongoing political tensions as opposition figures position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.