Wike criticises Obi and Atiku ahead of 2027 election

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike criticised Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar’s records in government during a Thursday media chat, saying Obi had nothing to offer Nigerians and that Atiku had failed to make meaningful use of his time in office. The remarks came as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 general election. Wike questioned whether any opposition candidate could challenge President Bola Tinubu in a possible presidential runoff. He also referred to former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, acknowledging his popularity in Kano while asking whether it would translate into support elsewhere in the North. Wike’s assessments of the candidates and their electoral prospects were political arguments, not independently established findings. In comments reported from the media chat, Wike said voters remembered politicians who had previously held public office. He cited Atiku’s time in government and repeated that Obi had nothing to offer. Wike also referred to former Anambra State governor Chukwuma Soludo’s criticism of Obi, without detailing the underlying allegations. A separate report of Wike’s remarks included his assertion that Obi’s political wave had...