The camp of Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has fired back at Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his prediction regarding the 2027 election.
Atiku’s special assistant on media, Abdul Rasheeth, described Wike as “a joker” who has consistently worked against Atiku’s interests.
Rasheeth pointed out that Wike had attempted to stop Atiku in 2019 and contested against him in 2023, only to lose. Now, Wike is claiming he will stop Atiku again in 2027. “The 40-year whisky is a joker,” Rasheeth said.
Wike had earlier stated that Atiku would not secure the PDP ticket in 2027, citing the party’s need for fresh leadership. He argued that Nigerians had rejected Atiku’s economic blueprint in 2023 and that relying on one person for too long was unhealthy.
In a live media parley in his office in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said, “Did he not present it before Nigerians? Did Nigerians choose him? 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?
“Look at America. I’m sure you all did not support Trump, saying he is this, he is a racist, he is that. We cried, but Americans thought differently, made a decision for the good of their own country.
“You presented your blueprint in 2023; Nigerians heard you clearly and said thank you, but it will not work. We will not support you. Criticism does not mean the opposition is working.
“Trump was not in government, yet he got to work and told the Republicans, ‘Listen, what do we do? We have to be serious.’ You can’t sideline people and say you will fight someone just because you feel he is too influential.”