The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the 2027 general elections will be a referendum on performance, describing it as “Operation Show Your Scorecard.”
He challenged leaders of the emerging anti-Tinubu coalition, now operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to present tangible evidence of their achievements while in office.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in Gwagwalada on Friday, Wike criticized former Senate President David Mark and other prominent opposition figures for allegedly failing to deliver real developmental results during their time in power.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, questioned David Mark’s legacy, particularly in his home state of Benue. He expressed bewilderment over why someone who held power for many years — including eight years as Senate President — failed to construct a motorable road to his hometown, Otukpo, resorting instead to frequent helicopter travel.
“When I was Senate President, what did I do for my people?” Wike asked, paraphrasing what he believed should be the standard of accountability going forward.
“How did I help the people of Benue State? How did I help Otukpo? Is it by flying helicopters there instead of building roads?”
The commissioning event was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike further accused former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, of inciting public unrest from a safe distance, while shielding his own family from the consequences.
Referring to Amaechi’s recent comments urging Nigerians, particularly the youth, to rise against the current administration, Wike questioned the sincerity of such statements.
“If you want people to protest, go down to Rivers and lead the protest with your children,” Wike challenged. “Don’t leave your children in London and ask other people’s children to go into the streets.”
The FCT Minister also took a swipe at unnamed members of the opposition who, according to him, appeared visibly upset about the numerous developmental projects currently being unveiled in the capital territory.
He specifically mentioned a presidential aspirant from the coalition party — described as an industrialist — who, he claimed, expressed bitterness over the commissioning of several projects attended by top government officials, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House.
“I never knew they were so pained until I watched Politics Today last night,” Wike said. “This industrialist was visibly angry that all these projects are being commissioned successfully. But they say the people are angry. Gwagwalada people, are you angry?”
Concluding his remarks, Wike reiterated that the era of vague promises and political rhetoric was over, and that Nigerians would now judge leaders by what they had delivered.
“We have been here for 16 days showing our scorecard. This is not the time for empty talk. It is time for Operation Show Your Scorecard,” he stated emphatically.