The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at activist and politician Aisha Yesufu following her reported failure to emerge as the senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Federal Capital Territory ahead of upcoming elections.
Wike made the remarks during a luncheon organised for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he criticised what he described as a tendency among some political commentators and activists to offer opinions without demonstrating electoral strength at the grassroots level.
Speaking before party supporters and political stakeholders, the FCT minister referenced Yesufu’s previous criticism of his role in government, alleging that she had dismissed him as merely an appointee and suggested she had no political dealings with government officials.
According to Wike, political relevance should be measured by electoral success rather than public commentary. He argued that despite her prominence in public discourse and media appearances, Yesufu was unable to secure victory in what he characterised as a relatively small-scale party primary election.
“There’s one woman who said Wike is an appointee of government and that she has no business with appointees. You speak grammar, speak grammar,” Wike said.
He continued by questioning her inability to win the NDC primary election in the FCT.
“Ordinary primary of NDC, not APC or PDP, just ordinary NDC, what happened? She didn’t make it,” the minister stated.
Wike further criticised what he described as the use of statistics and political analysis detached from electoral realities, suggesting that practical political engagement ultimately determines a politician’s influence.
“It’s easy for people to talk. When they enter into those media houses, they begin to churn out data from nowhere. Now, the time for data has come. What happened? ‘Fa fa fa foul.’ It didn’t work. If e didn’t dey? E didn’t dey,” he added, drawing laughter from members of the audience.
The comments are the latest chapter in the ongoing political exchanges between Wike and some civil society figures who have frequently criticised his political positions and style of governance.
As of the time of filing this report, Yesufu had not publicly responded to the minister’s remarks. Political observers, however, note that the exchange highlights the growing tensions between establishment politicians and activists seeking greater participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
With preparations for future elections already gathering momentum, analysts expect political rhetoric and public disagreements among key figures to intensify in the months ahead.
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