Wike slams Atiku, says 2027 presidency not available

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday launched a rebuke on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a serial failure and dismissing his criticisms of the current administration.

Wike spoke to reporters during a routine inspection of infrastructure projects in Kuje and other parts of the FCT, where he rejected Atiku’s recent comments on national television that the government of Bola Tinubu had failed to ease the hardship facing Nigerians.

Responding directly, the minister challenged the former vice president to compare his record in office with ongoing developments in the FCT.

“At a certain age, one should be able to look at facts objectively. He lives in the FCT; let him compare the FCT of today to the eight years when he was Vice President.

“We have been in office for less than three years, yet the transformation is clear. Nigerians would laugh at anyone suggesting nothing is being done,” Wike stated.

He further questioned Atiku’s credibility, invoking remarks previously made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“His own boss, President Obasanjo, publicly described him as a failure and questioned his character. Why should I bother replying to someone whose own principal attached the tag of corruption to him?” he said.

In a sarcastic tone, Wike said he would encourage Atiku to continue contesting elections despite his age, insisting that the 2027 presidential race was out of reach.

“I encourage him to run. It seems that is the only way he stays relevant. But 2027 is not available for him,” he added.

The minister also dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress that he attempted to revoke the licence of the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki to frustrate the party’s planned national convention, describing the claims as false.

He questioned the timeline presented by the party, noting that a request allegedly submitted on April 7 for a convention scheduled for April 14, without follow-up until the eve of the event, suggested a deliberate attempt to implicate the FCT administration.

Wike also downplayed the strength of a proposed opposition coalition reportedly involving figures such as Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that it would not pose a serious challenge.

“They say El-Rufai and Obi are there, so it is a strong opposition. Watch and see; the PDP will still be stronger than the ADC.

“In the last FCT elections, the ADC couldn’t even win a single councillorship. How do they intend to win the country?” he said.

The minister concluded by advising opposition parties to focus on their internal affairs rather than criticising the government.

Atiku said the 2027 presidential election will be his last outing.

Atiku disclosed this during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday.