Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Atiku Abubakar, questioning the former vice president's attempt to present himself as an anti-corruption voice ahead of the 2027 election. Wike made the comments during a town hall meeting with the Rumueme and Apara kingdoms in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. His attack followed Atiku's advice to Nigerians to collect money offered by members of the ruling party during the election, describing such funds as stolen money.
Wike mocked Atiku's remark, saying he lacked the moral standing to preach against corruption. He referenced Atiku's appearance on television, where he asked Nigerians to take any money given to them by people from the party in power, saying it would be stolen money. Wike expressed surprise at Atiku's new stance, saying, "Haa, Atiku is now an apostle of anti-corruption?" This criticism from Wike comes as a surprise, given that both men are prominent figures in Nigerian politics.
Wike also described the ADC presidential ticket of Atiku and his running mate, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, as a "joint ticket of corruption." This strong language from Wike suggests that he is determined to challenge Atiku's credibility on the issue of corruption. Furthermore, Wike invoked former President Olusegun Obasanjo's past criticism of Atiku, who served as his vice president between 1999 and 2007.
Obasanjo had previously described Atiku as corrupt and expressed regret over making him vice president. Wike referenced this past criticism, saying, "The same Atiku whose boss described him as corrupt and said one of his major regrets was making him vice president is talking." This attack on Atiku's character is likely to have significant implications for his campaign.
The FCT minister also dismissed the chances of the Atiku-Amaechi ticket in Rivers State, insisting that the ADC would struggle to secure the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes in the state. This prediction from Wike suggests that he is confident in the ability of his own party to perform well in the state.
Wike's comments have sparked a heated debate in Nigerian politics, with many analysts weighing in on the implications of his criticism. Some have argued that Wike's attack on Atiku is a sign of the intense rivalry between the two men, while others have suggested that it reflects a deeper issue with corruption in Nigerian politics.
The 2027 election is shaping up to be a significant event in Nigerian politics, with many prominent figures vying for power. The issue of corruption is likely to play a major role in the campaign, with candidates seeking to present themselves as champions of transparency and accountability.
Key points
- Wike questions Atiku's moral standing on corruption.
- Atiku's ADC presidential ticket described as "joint ticket of corruption."
- Wike predicts poor performance by Atiku-Amaechi ticket in Rivers State.
