The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has delivered a scathing rebuke to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dismissing his repeated presidential ambitions and bluntly stating that the 2027 presidency is “not available” to him.
Speaking during a recent media engagement, Wike described Atiku as a “serial election loser” who continues to contest despite consistent defeats, suggesting that running for office appears to be the only way the former Vice President stays politically relevant. He encouraged Atiku to run if he wishes but made it clear that success in 2027 is out of the question.
“I encourage Atiku to run. It seems that is the only way he stays relevant. But 2027 is not available for him,” Wike stated emphatically.
The FCT Minister, a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, reiterated that Atiku has no viable path to the PDP presidential ticket or broader electoral success in the next general election. He referenced his role in Atiku’s 2023 defeat, vowing that similar efforts would ensure the former VP fails again.
Wike’s comments come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of 2027, including Atiku’s involvement in opposition coalitions and his insistence that the upcoming election would be his final bid for the presidency. The Minister dismissed such claims, predicting Atiku could return for another attempt in 2031, describing his persistence as a familiar pattern of serial contestation without results.
This latest salvo underscores the deep rift between Wike and Atiku, which dates back to the 2023 PDP primaries and the subsequent G-5 governors’ stance against Atiku’s candidacy. Wike has consistently positioned himself as a defender of party equity, fairness, and justice, while accusing Atiku of prioritizing personal ambition over broader national or zonal interests.
The outspoken Minister also used the occasion to express confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027, while affirming that the PDP remains a formidable force capable of making a strong impact.
Wike’s statement has ignited fresh debates within Nigeria’s political circles, with analysts viewing it as a clear signal of his unwavering loyalty to the current administration and his determination to shape the PDP’s direction away from Atiku’s influence.