Atiku Abubakar has faulted Nyesom Wike’s claim that the African Democratic Congress will not secure up to 10 per cent of votes in Rivers State during the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku Rejects Wike’s Prediction
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over remarks he made about the party’s chances in Rivers State.
Wike had stated that Atiku and the ADC would fail to secure up to 10 per cent of votes cast in the state during the 2027 presidential election.
The former Rivers State governor made the comment on Saturday during a luncheon organised for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Wike, no candidate from any other political party would win the governorship election in Rivers State except the candidate endorsed by his Rainbow Coalition.
Rivers Voters Will Decide, Says Atiku
However, Atiku dismissed the minister’s position and insisted that Rivers voters have the intelligence and freedom to decide who they support at the polls.
Reacting through a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said no individual can dictate how an entire state will vote.
Furthermore, Atiku argued that political influence and access to federal power do not give anyone ownership of the electorate.
He said Wike’s comments suggested that he views Rivers State votes as his personal property.
ADC Coalition Raising Concerns
Meanwhile, Atiku claimed that the minister’s remarks exposed growing concern within President Bola Tinubu’s political camp over the emergence of a strong opposition coalition under the ADC platform.
Consequently, he maintained that Nigerians are paying more attention to issues affecting their daily lives than political forecasts.
According to him, citizens remain worried about the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, and deepening economic hardship across the country.
Furthermore, Atiku said the focus of leaders should remain on governance and addressing national challenges rather than engaging in constant election campaigns.
