AAC described Wike’s comments as a dangerous assault on democratic principles and a veiled threat to opposition participation.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has criticised the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, over his recent remarks regarding the 2026 FCT Area Council elections. 

AAC described Wike’s comments as a dangerous assault on democratic principles and a veiled threat to opposition participation.

Wike, while speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Inner Northern Expressway service lane—commissioned on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by Deputy Senate President Barau Jubrin—advised opposition parties not to “waste their time and money” contesting in the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections.

In a swift reaction on Wednesday, FCT AAC Chairman, Agena Robert Ande, condemned the Minister’s utterances, labelling them “a brazen display of arrogance” and an attempt to legitimise electoral malpractice in Nigeria’s capital.

Ande said Wike’s reference to President Tinubu’s achievements as justification for election outcomes is a “laughable excuse,” especially given what he described as the APC-led government’s disastrous economic performance.

Taking a swipe at Wike’s stewardship as FCT Minister, Ande accused him of gross maladministration, neglect of public education, and weaponizing land allocation for political gain.

He said: “We view Wike's statements as a brazen display of arrogance and a desperate attempt to justify the APC's notorious record of electoral malpractices. His justification of rigging in the FCT, citing Tinubu's achievements, is a laughable attempt to gloss over the failures of the current administration.

“The Tinubu-led government has brought untold hardship, hunger, and economic sabotage to Nigerians. The devaluation of the naira, skyrocketing inflation, and unprecedented unemployment have pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty. Many youths have picked up menial jobs just to survive. The government's inability to provide basic amenities—such as electricity, healthcare, and education—has made life unbearable for many.

“Under Wike's watch as FCT Minister, primary school children have been out of school for months due to his failure to support teachers with reasonable wages. He renovates buildings with billions but allows teachers and other human lives to suffer. The territory has witnessed unprecedented levels of corruption, land grabbing, and disregard for the rule of law.”

He further accused Wike of weaponising allocations against political opponents and residents, stating:

“Imagine threatening FCT residents to vote in a particular way or risk having their properties revoked. He has already begun campaigning even though INEC has yet to officially declare the commencement of campaigns in the FCT. Wike's administration has been characterised by maladministration, and his use of land allocations to threaten voters is a clear indication of his desperation to cling to power.

“The AAC will not be deterred by Wike's threats. We will continue to mobilise the people of the FCT to participate actively in the upcoming elections.”

The AAC Chairman also condemned the PDP, calling both major parties—the APC and PDP—“twin failures” responsible for Nigeria’s worsening poverty, insecurity, and broken institutions.

“We urge the people of the FCT to reject the APC and PDP, which have failed to deliver on their promises. The AAC is committed to providing a better alternative, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the people are heard.”