The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has expressed concerns over former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar's renewed presidential ambition, citing his record in office. Wike argued that Atiku's years in government, particularly under President Olusegun Obasanjo, should be examined as Nigerians assess his 2027 presidential bid. He made these remarks during a Rainbow Coalition meeting in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers state.
Wike questioned Atiku's impact during his eight years as vice-president from 1999 to 2007, particularly his role in the federal government's privatisation programme. He tasked Nigerians to examine Atiku's record rather than focus solely on his repeated attempts to become president. Wike insisted that Atiku's performance in public office should form part of the debate over his 2027 ambition. He also revealed that he had contested a presidential primary against Atiku.
The FCT minister invoked Obasanjo's past criticism of Atiku, referring to the former president's reported expression of regret over supporting Atiku's emergence as vice-president. Wike argued that Obasanjo's assessment of their relationship should be considered in evaluating Atiku's political record. He urged political stakeholders to scrutinise the records of those seeking the presidency and avoid making decisions based solely on emotion or political affiliations.
Wike also criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, citing the entry of former Rivers state governor Rotimi Amaechi into the party. He questioned the party's capacity to present a convincing alternative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election. Wike directed attention to projects and financial transactions during Amaechi's eight-year administration as Rivers governor from 2007 to 2015.
The minister cited several projects and transactions that require explanations, including the alleged expenditure of $10 million on a mosquito-control programme, $39 million on a proposed specialist hospital, and N68 billion on a monorail project. He also questioned the handling of proceeds from the reported sale of a gas turbine in December 2014 for $308 million. Wike challenged Amaechi to account for the transactions.
Wike's comments have sparked a fresh debate over Atiku's suitability for the presidency. Atiku has not commented on Wike's remarks, but his supporters have defended his record in office. The ADC has also not responded to Wike's criticism, but the party is expected to clarify its position on the matter.
The development is significant as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 presidential election. Wike's criticism of Atiku and the ADC ticket has raised questions about the party's chances of presenting a credible alternative to President Tinubu. The FCT minister's comments have also highlighted the need for Nigerians to scrutinise the records of those seeking the presidency.
Key points
- Wike criticises Atiku's record in office, citing his years as vice-president and questioning his impact on Nigeria's development.
- The FCT minister questions the African Democratic Congress's capacity to present a convincing alternative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- Wike challenges Atiku and Amaechi to account for several projects and financial transactions during their administrations.
