FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has publicly questioned the credibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a voice against corruption, responding to Atiku's recent advice that Nigerians should accept money offered by ruling party representatives, which Atiku described as proceeds of corruption.
In a video shared by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, on Monday, October 5, Wike expressed surprise at Atiku's position, noting that Atiku's own former principal had publicly described him as corrupt and reportedly admitted that making Atiku Vice President was one of his greatest regrets. Wike did not name the former president directly.
Wike's Response to Atiku's Corruption Remarks
“I saw Atiku on television yesterday, asking Nigerians to take any money given to them by people from the party in power, that it will be stolen money,” Wike said. “I said, haa, Atiku is now an apostle of anti-corruption?”
Atiku Abubakar is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections.
Wike Challenges Amaechi's Drug Cost Claim
Wike also turned his criticism to Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku's running mate, who had reportedly claimed that President Bola Tinubu's economic policies left him unable to afford medication for his mother.
The minister challenged that account by listing Amaechi's career history, which includes two terms as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two terms as Governor of Rivers State, and two terms as Minister of Transportation. Wike further noted that Amaechi had been able to pay N90 million to purchase the ADC presidential nomination form before accepting the role of Atiku's vice-presidential pick for 2027.
Wike did not indicate whether he intended to take any further action beyond his public remarks.
