Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again called on President Bola Tinubu and his administration to prioritize governance over premature political strategies for the 2027 presidential race.
Atiku’s remarks was in response to comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, who recently made reference to the issue of 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket.
During a press conference in Abuja, Wike had advised Atiku to abandon any hopes of contesting for the presidency again in 2027. He specifically said:
“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 further emphasized that Atiku had no chance of securing the PDP nomination in 2027.
In response, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, reminded Wike of his alleged failed attempt to impose a presidential candidate on the PDP during the 2019 election cycle.
Shaibu said: “If he had the power to distribute presidential tickets like party favours, he’d certainly have kept one for himself. After all, Atiku thoroughly schooled him and his chosen protégé in his own backyard ahead of the 2019 election and then handed him a resounding defeat in the 2023 primaries in Abuja.”
Shaibu also questioned Wike’s preoccupation with the 2027 race, especially given Wike’s public declaration that President Tinubu would be returning to office. He urged Wike to focus on more pressing concerns facing Nigerians, such as the escalating cost of living and widespread hunger.
“This hunger is becoming unbearable; it’s what we should be addressing, not political maneuvers for 2027,” Shaibu concluded.