Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, declaring that neither has what it takes to provide Nigerians with credible alternative leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike said Nigerians were already familiar with the records of the opposition figures, arguing that those who previously occupied positions of authority had failed to make meaningful contributions to the country’s development.
The minister made the remarks on Thursday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, where he expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing re-election in 2027.
Questioning the opposition’s ability to defeat Tinubu, Wike challenged political stakeholders to identify a candidate capable of defeating the President in a possible presidential runoff.
“I’m a political scientist and have been in politics for more than a decade. Assuming there is a presidential runoff, it will be between Tinubu and who?” he asked.
Taking a swipe at Atiku and Obi, the FCT minister maintained that Nigerians had not forgotten the performance of political leaders who previously held public offices but were now criticising the current administration.
“Nigerians know that Atiku and co have been given the opportunity and they did not do anything. Nigerians know that the former governor of Rivers State looted our state.
Nigerians know that Obi has nothing to offer. You were there when Soludo opened a can of worms,” Wike said.
He also acknowledged the political influence of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, particularly in northern Nigeria, but questioned whether his regional popularity could translate into victory in a nationwide presidential contest.
Wike recalled Kwankwaso’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, when he secured significant support in Kano and other northern states, arguing that his electoral strength should be assessed within that context.
The minister’s comments come amid growing political consultations, realignments and manoeuvres among opposition parties and prominent political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike has consistently declared support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, maintaining that opposition politicians must demonstrate credible records in public office and present Nigerians with convincing alternatives before seeking the country’s highest political office.
