Wike Warns Politicians Against Manufacturing Grievances to Gain Power

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned politicians against manufacturing or manipulating grievances for political advantage, saying the exploitation of identity and perceptions of marginalisation could deepen divisions in Nigeria.

Wike spoke on Thursday, October 15, 2026, while delivering a keynote address titled “People, Politics and Power Play in Nigeria: The Agitation for Equity and Fairness” at the inaugural Idoma Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Abuja.

The event was organised in collaboration with Ochetoha K’Idoma as part of the Idoma Centenary Plus celebration.

The minister urged political leaders to prioritise competence, accountability and service delivery rather than exploit ethnic sentiments or grievances to secure public office.

Wike Cautions Against Exploiting Grievances

Wike said politicians should resist the temptation to manufacture or manipulate grievances for political advantage, warning that tactics used to mobilise supporters could later become sources of division.

He argued that while concerns about equity, fairness and marginalisation deserved attention, they should not be used merely to advance individual political ambitions.

The minister urged Nigerians to examine the intentions and records of political leaders, rather than make decisions based solely on ethnic identity, sectional interests or appeals to resentment.

He maintained that public office should be treated as a responsibility to serve citizens, not as a means of advancing personal or group interests.

Calls for Competence and Accountability

Wike also called for a shift in political discourse from the distribution of positions among individuals and groups to the practical results governments deliver.

He argued that representation and inclusion should translate into better living conditions, effective public services and accountable leadership.

According to the minister, debates about fairness should go beyond determining which group occupies a particular office and focus on whether those in government can meet citizens’ needs.

His remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and disagreements among parties and political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike Defends Rainbow Coalition for Tinubu

Wike’s comments come against the backdrop of his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid through the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party platform intended to mobilise support for the president in 2027.

The minister has maintained that the coalition is focused on the presidential election and does not require participating politicians to abandon their respective parties.

He has also said the initiative is separate from the APC and that parties should remain free to field candidates in governorship and legislative elections.

The arrangement has attracted criticism from some APC governors, who have expressed concerns about the emergence of parallel political structures and their possible implications for the ruling party’s campaign organisation. Wike, however, has defended the coalition as a way to bring together supporters of Tinubu across party lines.

Political Debate Intensifies Ahead of 2027

With political parties and alliances positioning themselves for the 2027 elections, debates over equity, representation, national unity and access to political power are expected to remain prominent.

Wike’s remarks add to the wider discussion about how politicians frame grievances and whether electoral competition can focus more closely on governance, accountability and public service.

The minister urged Nigerians to look beyond political calculations and identity-based appeals when assessing those seeking public office.