Ex-Borno Governor hails Wike’s performance amid criticism of non-performing ministers

Former Borno State Governor and ex-acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for what he described as “unmatched transformation efforts” in Abuja, stating that Wike’s performance overshadows his alleged rascality.

In a no-holds-barred interview aired on Channels Television on Monday, Sheriff stated that while he is not a fan of the controversial former Rivers State governor, Wike’s visible developmental strides in the nation’s capital have earned him respect, regardless of his combative political style.

“Wike’s character is that of a rascal, but you cannot take away from him that he has changed Abuja. From the time Abuja was created up to this moment, nobody has worked like him,” Sheriff declared. “So people like me will ignore his rascality because he is working.”

Sheriff’s remarks come amid ongoing national debates over the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, which has drawn criticism in some quarters over underwhelming delivery on key national assignments.

The former governor did not hold back in taking a swipe at unnamed members of the federal executive council, accusing several ministers of doing little or nothing while feeding Nigerians with misleading narratives.

“There are ministers that are not working but lying to Nigerians. It is not the president’s problem,” he said, suggesting that the real bottleneck in governance lies within parts of the cabinet rather than the presidency itself.

READ ALSO: Dele Momodu warns Tinubu against Wike, cites character concerns

Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister has been characterized by both commendation and controversy.

While his sweeping urban renewal projects, demolitions of illegal structures, and accelerated infrastructure delivery in Abuja have been praised by supporters, his confrontational approach and political brinkmanship continue to draw criticism, even from within his own party.

Sheriff’s comments highlight a broader sentiment among some political observers who believe that Wike’s “strongman” tactics, though divisive, have yielded tangible results in the capital city.

In the same interview, Sheriff also dropped a significant political hint about the possible return of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the PDP fold.

Though he provided no specific timeline or confirmation from Obi himself, Sheriff’s assertion has reignited speculation about realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sheriff’s comment adds weight to ongoing behind-the-scenes political maneuverings, especially within opposition circles, as parties strategize for a possible coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former governor’s remarks — a blend of political realism and blunt assessment — underscore both the evolving dynamics within the federal cabinet and the high-stakes recalibrations shaping Nigeria’s political terrain.