FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's choice of running mate for the 2027 presidential election could prove fatal to his ambitions of returning to power. Wike made the remarks during a media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, arguing that selecting a vice-presidential candidate purely for their political title, rather than their ability to deliver votes, was a strategic miscalculation.
Wike Questions Running Mate's Electoral Value
Wike challenged the idea that a gubernatorial background is, on its own, sufficient political currency. He stated: "The mere fact that somebody was a former governor does not make the person an asset. You must be a former governor who still has followers. You must show what you bring to the table for your state and your people."
He further questioned what concrete electoral impact Atiku's reported running mate could deliver in the South-South region. Wike alleged that the individual failed to secure the required 25 per cent of votes for Muhammadu Buhari in both the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, despite occupying key political positions at the time, and also fell short in delivering significant support for Atiku himself during the 2023 election.
Wike Flags Contradiction Over ADC Primary
The minister also raised questions about the running mate's political consistency, pointing to remarks the individual had previously made about the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary process. "This was the same man who said the ADC primary was full of irregularities and corruption. Now he has accepted to be part of that same process. That is the contradiction Nigerians should see," Wike said.
He argued that credibility and genuine grassroots support, not past titles or positions, would be the defining factors in the outcome of the 2027 presidential contest. Wike's remarks add to the growing scrutiny of Atiku's preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, for which Atiku was ratified as the presidential candidate of the NDC on May 29, 2026, following his resignation from the ADC on May 2, 2026.
Wike Slams Cardinal Onaiyekan
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Wike pushed back against Cardinal John Onaiyekan, accusing the Catholic cleric of political bias and questioning whether his criticism of the Tinubu administration should be taken seriously as a result. Wike did not mince words about Onaiyekan's perceived political leanings, saying the cleric's support for a particular candidate was well known to the public.
