The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, accusing him of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Wike dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition being championed by Lawal as irrelevant, citing last weekend’s by-election results as proof that Nigerians have rejected them.

Wike claimed Lawal’s criticism of Tinubu was personal, rooted in resentment over not being chosen as vice-presidential candidate in 2023. He said:

“His anger was that he thought Mr. President would have chosen him as vice-presidential candidate. Having not done that, all hell must let loose.”

The FCT Minister also accused former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi of corruption, questioning his credibility after Amaechi claimed he could end corruption in Nigeria within a month if given the ADC’s 2027 ticket. Wike alleged Amaechi was indicted by judicial panels and courts for corruption, and cited controversies around the Rivers State-owned aircraft abandoned in Germany for years.

Defending Tinubu’s administration, Wike insisted that progress has been recorded in stabilising the economy, tackling insecurity, and reducing reliance on federal bailouts. He pointed to international commendations from the US, UK, and WTO as validation of Tinubu’s reforms.

On the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike distanced himself from the party’s proposed elective convention in November, saying no notice had been given to NEC members. He vowed that his group would resist any injustice within the PDP