Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a prominent political figure, has criticized several opposition parties over controversies surrounding their internal primary elections ahead of the country’s 2027 presidential election. He argued that recurring disputes have damaged public trust in the parties’ leadership.
Speaking at a political event, Wike pointed to recent disagreements within opposition groups, including protests and allegations of irregularities during candidate selection processes. He said the developments raise questions about the parties’ ability to manage democratic procedures effectively.
The comments come at a time of heightened political activity in Nigeria, where major parties are positioning themselves for the next presidential contest. Several opposition politicians have challenged the credibility of recent primaries, leading to calls for greater transparency and internal reforms.
Wike argued that voters are increasingly skeptical of political organizations that fail to conduct peaceful and widely accepted internal elections. According to him, parties seeking national support must first demonstrate accountability within their own structures.
The exchange highlights growing competition within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties seek to consolidate support ahead of 2027. Analysts say internal cohesion and credible candidate-selection processes are likely to play a significant role in shaping voter confidence in the lead-up to the election.