Wike Declares War on Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Ambition

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again set the political arena ablaze with his declaration that he will ensure former Vice President Atiku Abubakar loses the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike made it clear that he holds no regrets over Atiku’s decision to sideline him in the selection of a running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

The rift between both political heavyweights has remained unresolved since the contentious 2022 PDP presidential primaries, where Wike had contested fiercely, only to lose to Atiku.

Following his defeat, Wike expected to be considered as the party’s vice-presidential candidate, a position he believed was rightfully his due to his influence and contributions to the party.

However, Atiku chose to leave the decision to the PDP, which in turn set up a committee to recommend three possible running mates.

Explaining his decision, Atiku stated in a recent interview with Adesina Giwa-Osagie that the committee ranked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the top choice, Wike as the second, and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel as the third.

He justified his choice by saying, “They said I did not consult widely in 2019 when I picked Peter Obi as my running mate, so in 2023, I told the party to set up a committee to recommend three names. So I picked number one.”

This decision left Wike and his allies within the PDP deeply dissatisfied, leading to a major split within the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Wike and his faction, known as the G5 governors, openly opposed Atiku’s candidacy, a move that many political analysts believe contributed to Atiku’s loss in the election.

Rather than mend fences, Wike appears to be doubling down on his opposition, vowing to do everything in his power to ensure Atiku never becomes president.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lere Olayinka reiterated Wike’s stance, stating, “Two years after making the @OfficialPDPNig lose a presidential election it could have won, @atiku is giving reasons he did not pick @GovWike as his running mate and that he has no regrets. Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike also has no regret for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again.”

The statement has further widened the divide within the PDP, as party loyalists react to the ongoing feud.

Some party members argue that Wike’s actions are detrimental to the opposition’s chances in future elections, while others believe he is justified in standing against Atiku.

Political analysts have weighed in on the development, noting that Wike’s continued defiance signals deeper cracks within the PDP that may hinder its chances of reclaiming power in 2027.

Many recall how Wike’s influence as Rivers State governor played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of past elections, making his stance against Atiku a major concern for the PDP’s future.

Atiku, on the other hand, has maintained his position that his decision in 2023 was based on the recommendations of the party, not personal bias.

Despite the tension, he remains a strong contender for the 2027 presidential race, though Wike’s opposition may once again pose a significant obstacle to his ambitions.

Supporters of Atiku argue that Wike’s continuous attacks are unnecessary and could weaken the PDP’s ability to unite ahead of the next election.

They believe that instead of engaging in personal political battles, the party should focus on rebuilding and presenting a strong front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Meanwhile, Wike’s supporters see his stance as a matter of principle and accountability, believing that his opposition to Atiku is necessary to prevent what they view as the former vice president’s repeated failures at the polls.

As the battle lines continue to be drawn, it remains to be seen how the PDP will navigate this internal crisis and whether a reconciliation between Wike and Atiku is possible before the 2027 elections.

For now, Wike appears determined to ensure that Atiku does not succeed, raising questions about whether the PDP can survive another round of internal conflict or if the division will ultimately cost them another shot at the presidency.