Tensions are rising in Nigeria’s political landscape as Nyesom Wike’s camp vows to frustrate Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 ambition, just as it allegedly did in 2023. Atiku’s team fires back, shifting focus to Tinubu’s governance failures. Read the full story.
The political rivalry between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reignited, with Wike’s camp vowing to derail Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition just as it allegedly did in 2023.
Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, declared that Atiku’s political future would be frustrated again, stating that his principal had no regrets for working against the former Vice President in the last election.
Olayinka made this assertion in reaction to Atiku’s recent comment that he had no regrets over his decision to pick Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Delta State Governor, as his running mate in the 2023 election over Wike.
Atiku, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealed that a committee recommended three candidates—Wike, Okowa, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel—and Okowa was eventually chosen.
Reacting through a post on X (formerly Twitter), Olayinka dismissed Atiku’s remark, insisting that Wike had no regrets over the outcome either.
“Two years after making the @OfficialPDPNig lose a presidential election it could have won, @atiku is giving reasons he did not pick @GovWike as his running mate and that he has no regrets.
“Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike also has no regrets for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again,” Olayinka stated.
The renewed hostilities between both camps come on the heels of Atiku’s formation of a coalition of opposition leaders aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The move has fueled speculations about potential presidential candidates, with former Labour Party (LP) flag bearer, Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, rumored to be key players in the alliance.
Despite growing curiosity over his candidacy, Atiku has remained noncommittal about running again, stating that a strong political platform must first be established before making such a decision.
Reacting to Olayinka’s statements, Paul Ibe, Atiku’s spokesperson, condemned Wike’s camp for prioritizing the 2027 election while Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship under the Tinubu administration.
“Ordinarily, we would not dignify him with a response. However, it is insensitive for Wike to be talking about 2027 now that his principal, President Tinubu, is failing to deliver on his current mandate,” Ibe stated.
He emphasized that Atiku is more concerned with addressing national issues rather than engaging in premature election discussions.
“The question they should be answering is: Are Nigerians better off today than they were in 2023? What is the cost of living today? What was it back in 2023?” Ibe questioned.
With Wike and Atiku’s camps trading accusations, the battle for the 2027 presidency is already taking shape, reigniting the PDP crisis that played out in the 2023 elections.
Observers believe that Wike’s role in the last election significantly contributed to Atiku’s defeat, and his influence in 2027 could further complicate the former Vice President’s ambitions.
As political realignments intensify, the question remains: Can Atiku withstand another onslaught from Wike, or will his new coalition change the tide?
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