The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has strongly responded to recent remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, asserting that the votes of the people of Rivers State are not the personal property of any individual to allocate or control.
In a statement issued by his media team, Atiku described Wike’s claim that the ADC and its presidential candidate would not secure up to 10% of votes in Rivers State during the 2027 presidential election as both amusing and disturbing. He emphasized that such comments reveal a mindset that treats voters as political slaves rather than free and independent citizens.
“Rivers votes are not your property. The people of Rivers State are not political slaves. They are intelligent, independent-minded Nigerians who will make their choices based on the realities confronting them and the future they desire for their children,” Atiku stated.
The former Vice President further noted that no individual, regardless of their influence or access to federal power, can dictate or determine how an entire state will vote in a democratic election. He expressed confidence in the electorate’s ability to decide based on performance, policies, and vision for national development.
Atiku’s reaction comes after Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, vowed during a meeting with political supporters that Atiku Abubakar and the ADC would struggle to achieve even the vote share he obtained in 2023, while declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Atiku highlighted that Wike’s outburst reflects growing panic within certain quarters over the emergence of a formidable opposition coalition under the ADC platform, aimed at offering Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.
The ADC presidential candidate reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles, respect for the will of the people, and building a united front to address Nigeria’s challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, and governance deficits.Ends