The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised opposition political parties over disputes arising from their recent congresses and primary elections, saying the controversies expose inconsistencies in their claims of offering better leadership alternatives.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike argued that parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have been unable to manage internal disagreements despite earlier criticisms directed at major political parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He noted that opposition groups had often accused established parties of candidate imposition, but recent developments within their own structures suggest similar patterns of internal conflict and dissatisfaction.
According to him, the ongoing disputes within these parties contradict their public image as “reformed” or more democratic alternatives.
Wike referenced the controversies that trailed congresses and primaries in both ADC and NDC, stating that the issues raise questions about their commitment to internal democracy.
He also pointed to reports of disagreements during the ADC presidential primary, where some aspirants allegedly rejected the outcome over claims of irregularities and lack of transparency.
The FCT minister further argued that such incidents demonstrate the challenges political parties face in ensuring credible and widely accepted electoral processes, regardless of their size or popularity.
He maintained that Nigerians should evaluate political parties based on their actual conduct rather than campaign promises or rhetoric about reform.
Wike added that, despite their shortcomings, older political parties have developed experience in managing Nigeria’s political environment and its complexities.
