FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Criticises ADC Over Court Ruling on Mark‑Led Exco

FCT Minister Criticises ADC Over Court Ruling

On 9 November 2026, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), addressed a town‑hall meeting in the Kwali Area Council of Abuja. He expressed disapproval of the response from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and rival political leaders concerning a judicial ruling that dissolved the National Working Committee headed by former Senate President David Mark. Wike said that political parties should be vehicles for development rather than arenas for prolonged power struggles.

During the meeting, Wike urged opposition politicians to prioritise governance and public welfare over personal ambitions. He highlighted that the ADC’s focus on internal disputes had not translated into tangible improvements for citizens. The minister further supported President Bola Tinubu’s changes within the FCT, pointing to the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the selection of a local Head of Service, and the exclusion of the region from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as measures that bolstered administrative independence.

Background

The controversy stems from a recent court decision that sacked the ADC’s National Working Committee, which had been headed by David Mark. The ruling was seen by the ADC as a political attack, prompting the party to launch a media campaign criticizing the government and the judiciary. Wike’s remarks came in the context of ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition groups over the handling of the court judgment.

Wike’s comments were delivered at a town‑hall meeting that also featured traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and residents of the Kwali Area Council. Participants in the gathering included Nuhu Daniel Kwali, the Executive Chairman of Kwali Area Council, and His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, the Etsu of Kwali, alongside other attendees.

Why It Matters

The FCT is a key administrative hub in Nigeria, and its governance directly affects the lives of millions of residents. Wike’s criticism of the ADC highlights a broader debate about the role of opposition parties in the country’s political landscape. By calling for parties to focus on development, Wike is underscoring the need for political actors to deliver measurable outcomes rather than engage in intra‑party battles.

The court ruling that removed David Mark’s National Working Committee has implications for the balance of power within the ADC and for the party’s ability to present a united front in future elections. The ADC’s response, described by Wike as a media‑driven attack, could influence public perception of the party’s commitment to governance.

Wike also emphasised the importance of the FCT’s administrative reforms. The establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission and the appointment of an indigenous Head of Service are seen as steps toward greater local participation in governance. Excluding the FCT from the Treasury Single Account aims to grant the territory greater authority over its financial resources, which could allow for the quicker finishing of infrastructure developments.

What Happens Next

The sources do not indicate any immediate policy changes or forthcoming actions beyond Wike’s statements. The meeting was a platform for discussion, and no specific next steps were announced. The ADC’s future response to the court ruling remains to be seen, as does the FCT administration’s progress on infrastructure and institutional reforms.