Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has rejected claims that opposition parties are being suppressed by the current administration, describing such allegations as unfounded.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Wike stated that the difficulties currently faced by opposition groups do not compare to the political pressure he personally experienced under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
His remarks come amid criticisms aimed at the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with some accusing the government of attempting to weaken opposition parties and push toward a one-party system. Wike dismissed these claims, insisting he had faced more intense political challenges in the past without retreating.
“It’s not correct that the current ruling party is killing the opposition, and I take exceptions to that,” he said. “If there was anybody tormented by a government, it was me… I was personally haunted under Buhari.”
He referenced his role in internal conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including legal battles that went as far as the Supreme Court, as proof of the pressures he endured.
Wike also spoke on the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has involved the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following court rulings and ongoing legal disputes.
He argued that claims of intimidation by the current government are misleading, noting that political rivalry often involves strategic moves by both ruling and opposition parties.
“Under Buhari, this is what they did to kill PDP. All these people shouting… it is only when it does not favor you,” he said.
According to Wike, such tactics are a normal part of politics, as parties often seek advantages within legal and institutional boundaries.
“If you are an opposition party, you know the government or the ruling party will always look for a loophole. That is politics,” he added.