Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Atiku’s status on the 2027 presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike had Wednesday on Channels Television Politics Today, stated that Atiku would not be allowed to run as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2027.

Wike had stated: “He is lobbying for another chance, but the chance will not be there. In which party? How can we rely on one man for so many years?” He emphasized that Atiku has no prospects of becoming the candidate again in 2027.

In his response, Atiku, through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, reminded Wike of their past encounters, particularly during the 2019 election.

Atiku pointed out that Wike would have tried to claim the presidential ticket for himself if he had the power to distribute it.

“If he had the power to distribute presidential tickets like party favours, he’d certainly have kept one for himself. 

“After all, Atiku thoroughly schooled him and his chosen protégé in his own backyard ahead of the 2019 election and then handed him a resounding defeat in the 2023 primaries in Abuja,” Atiku’s spokesperson remarked.

Shaibu also questioned Wike’s focus on the 2027 election, especially when he has publicly stated that Bola Tinubu is destined to win. 

He noted that Wike should be more concerned about the urgent and critical issues Nigerians face, such as rising cost of living, hunger and insecurity, rather than early political moves for the next election.

“This hunger is becoming unbearable; it’s what we should be addressing, not political maneuvers for 2027,” Shaibu added.