‘It’s Too Late to Cry’: Coalition Fires Back at Wike’s Outburst

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a fiery rebuttal to scathing remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the broader Coalition Movement have declared that the minister’s attacks stem from a “mortal fear” of their growing influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

The coalition, a formidable alliance of opposition political parties, issued a blistering press statement on July 3, 2025, accusing Wike of lashing out due to the existential threat their movement poses to the government he serves.

During a media chat earlier today, Wike launched a barrage of criticisms against the leaders of the coalition, prompting a swift and uncompromising response from Mal. Bolaji Abdullahi, the coalition’s spokesman.

Minister Wike’s descent to such levels of vitriol is driven by his fear of the coalition’s rising momentum

Abdullahi condemned Wike’s behavior as unbecoming of a federal minister, attributing his “virulent attacks” to panic over the coalition’s successful unveiling and its potential to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Minister Wike’s descent to such levels of vitriol is driven by his fear of the coalition’s rising momentum,” Abdullahi stated. “If he and the government he serves had fulfilled their promises to Nigerians, there would be no need for this movement, and he would have no reason to be so jittery.”

The coalition’s statement pointed to Wike’s alleged mismanagement of the FCT as a key grievance fueling their movement. Abdullahi highlighted the ongoing strike by primary school teachers, unpaid for months, and accused Wike of treating FCT workers with contempt while prioritizing “white elephant projects” costing billions of naira.

If he and the government he serves had fulfilled their promises to Nigerians, there would be no need for this movement, and he would have no reason to be so jittery

“If Minister Wike had paid the salaries of teachers or addressed the growing insecurity in the FCT, he would not need to fear the coalition,” Abdullahi asserted.

The coalition further accused Wike of contributing to the economic hardship and misery plaguing Nigerians, particularly the poor, whose children are denied education due to unpaid teachers.

Abdullahi also took aim at Wike’s political legacy, alleging that he has allowed himself to be used by the ruling government to dismantle the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), once one of Africa’s most powerful political forces.

“Wike claims our leaders are driven by grievances,” Abdullahi said. “Yes, we are aggrieved—grieved by a government that has plunged Nigerians into poverty, failed to secure the FCT, and denied children education. These are not personal grudges; they are the cries of a nation betrayed by broken promises of renewed hope.”

In a defiant tone, the coalition declared that Wike’s outbursts would not deter their mission. “It is too late in the day to cry,” Abdullahi warned. “The Coalition Movement belongs to the Nigerian people, who were promised hope but delivered hopelessness. No amount of tirades against our leaders can halt this unstoppable tide of change.”

It is too late in the day to cry

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the coalition’s bold stance signals a growing challenge to the ruling establishment, with Wike’s remarks only fueling their resolve. The Nigerian public, weary of unfulfilled promises, now watches as this opposition alliance positions itself as a beacon of hope for a nation yearning for tr ansformative leadership.