The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has responded to remarks made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding the 2027 general elections.
Wike’s reaction was shared through a statement posted on April 16, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on X.
Earlier, reports by Leadership Newspaper indicated that Atiku had suggested the 2027 presidential race would likely be his final attempt. He explained that the significance of the election and the circumstances surrounding it made it, in his view, a decisive moment in his political career.
In response, Wike dismissed the claim, expressing doubt that the former vice president would step away from contesting elections. He argued that Atiku has a long history of repeatedly seeking the presidency and predicted that he would remain in the race beyond 2027, including a possible bid in 2031.
Wike also used the opportunity to criticize Atiku’s track record in previous elections, portraying him as a persistent contender who has not been successful in his attempts. His remarks added a sharp tone to the ongoing political exchanges ahead of future electoral contests.
The exchange between both figures has since drawn attention, reflecting the intensifying political discourse as conversations around the 2027 elections continue to build.