The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has lost his relevance in Nigerian politics. Wike’s remarks came in response to a recent statement by Atiku, in which the latter praised the people of Rivers State for their resilience during the local government elections, asserting that the elections were conducted with integrity. Wike, however, took a sharp dig at Atiku, accusing him of losing elections repeatedly and having been rejected by Nigerians.
Atiku had commended the people of Rivers State for their steadfastness during the local government elections, stating on his X account, “With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the state.” He praised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his “unwavering commitment” to the people, even in the face of challenges, and emphasized that the people had spoken in “harmonious unison, affirming that nothing is greater than democracy.”
In his post, Atiku lauded the people of Rivers State for rejecting political oppression and manipulation, declaring, “As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.” He continued, “From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing is greater than democracy.”
However, Wike, speaking during a luncheon in honor of the 10th Rivers State Assembly on Saturday, strongly criticized Atiku’s comments, dismissing them as irrelevant. Wike claimed Atiku had lost political favor in Nigeria after repeatedly contesting and losing in presidential elections. “We never contested the local government elections. Did we contest? Did we pick forms?” Wike said. He added, “I hear Atiku Abubakar say, ‘Oh, they have rejected me in Rivers State.’ Okay, assuming, though not conceding, that he has lost many times, Nigerians have also rejected him.”
Wike did not hold back in challenging Atiku’s political relevance, stating, “If you say for an election we did not contest, never participated in, that it shows Nigerians have rejected us, fine. You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, so pack up and go home.” His words underscored his belief that Atiku’s political influence had waned, particularly following his losses in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections.
Wike’s remarks come at a time when Atiku’s future political role remains uncertain, especially after his unsuccessful bids in the last two general elections.
