Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday criticised opposition political parties over controversies surrounding their congresses and primary elections, saying the disputes have exposed contradictions in their claims of offering Nigerians a credible democratic alternative.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike said recent crises trailing primary elections and congresses in some opposition parties showed that many of the challenges they accuse established political parties of perpetuating also exist within their ranks.

According to him, political groups that projected themselves as the new face of democracy are now grappling with allegations of irregularities, manipulation and protests by dissatisfied aspirants and party members.

“They told Nigerians they were the new face of democracy and the alternative platform for change. But what we have seen is that even within their own structures, there are allegations of irregularities and protests over congresses and primaries,” he said.

The minister argued that the developments should encourage Nigerians to assess political actors based on their actions rather than campaign rhetoric, insisting that managing political parties in the country requires practical experience and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s political realities.

“My assessment is that the parties that have been tested over time understand the complexities of Nigeria’s political culture and democratic process,” he added.

Wike also dismissed suggestions that some of the country’s major political parties had become irrelevant, maintaining that political relevance is determined by performance, internal cohesion and public support.

The former Rivers State governor urged political leaders to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and deepening internal party democracy instead of engaging in propaganda aimed at discrediting opponents.

Speaking on the search by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for a running mate, Wike said the issue was “dead on arrival”, insisting that Nigerians had resolved that the presidency should remain in the South until 2031 in line with the rotation principle.

Recalling his experience during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary in 2022, Wike said he knew from the outset that the coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was designed to serve Atiku’s political interests.

“If you are a politician, you should know what will or will not work. Senator David Mark was the chairman of the presidential primary. You saw what he did after the campaigns ended by allowing Aminu Tambuwal to return and canvass for votes for Atiku. Then there was Ben Obi. Do you know how close he is to Atiku?” he said.

“Ben Obi was following Peter Obi everywhere. By the time Peter Obi left, Sam Egwu joined him, but Ben Obi remained. The ADC coalition was a setup created to serve Atiku’s interests. Two presidential aspirants have come out to condemn the ADC presidential primary, describing it as fraudulent. We are vindicated.”

The FCT minister also disclosed that the Rainbow Coalition comprising the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP and Labour Party in Rivers State was formed to promote a collegiate approach to governance.

He said the coalition would, by mid-August, agree on a compromise governorship candidate for the state.

Wike denied claims that he compelled Governor Siminalayi Fubara to abandon his second-term ambition, insisting that the governor remains a member of the Rainbow Coalition.

According to him, Fubara’s recent absence from political activities was due to his trip outside the country, which he said the governor had communicated to him.

He added that political stakeholders in Rivers State were working to ensure that President Bola Tinubu secures a wide victory in the January 18, 2027, presidential election.

Wike further assured that there would be no breakaway from the Rainbow Coalition by the next governor, saying the arrangement had been structured to protect all sectional and group interests in the state.