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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fired back at claims by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, suggesting he is manoeuvring to secure the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidacy for 2027.
In a strong response, Atiku’s aide accused Wike of prioritising political self-interest over addressing pressing national issues.
Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, dismissed Wike’s assertion as premature and unnecessary, stressing that addressing Nigeria’s current economic struggles should take precedence over future political positioning.
“Isn’t it too early in the day for that? Our focus should be on the real issues—the worsening conditions of living for Nigerians. This hunger is becoming unbearable; it’s what we should be addressing, not political manoeuvres for 2027,” Shaibu said, referencing Nigerians' hardships.
Wike had previously stated that Atiku is actively lobbying to be PDP’s presidential candidate again in 2027 but asserted that he would not allow such a possibility.
“He is lobbying for another chance, but the chance will not be there. In which party? How can we rely on one man for so many years?” Wike said at a press briefing in Abuja.
Shaibu fired back, suggesting that if Wike held the power, he would keep the presidential ticket for himself.
“If he had the power to distribute presidential tickets like party favours, he’d certainly have kept one for himself,” Shaibu remarked, citing Atiku’s prior victories over Wike in the 2019 and 2023 primaries as proof of his enduring influence.
Ultimately, Shaibu called on Wike and other leaders to redirect their energy towards tackling Nigeria’s deepening socio-economic challenges rather than fixating on political ambitions for 2027.