Wike vows to keep Atiku, Obi under pressure for 2027 election

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, declared on Friday that his political mission ahead of the 2027 presidential election is to keep opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi under constant pressure and discomfort. The remarks, delivered during an inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja on August 21, 2026, underscore the increasingly combative tone of the upcoming election cycle.

Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is openly supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election, told journalists he has no interest in making his political rivals feel at ease. "My business is to make them not feel well all day, because they will be having high blood pressure. I guess that is my job, to make them have high blood pressure," he stated. He characterized political contests as inherently adversarial, adding, "When you are having a contest with somebody, your business is not to make him feel well. Your business is to make sure that you beat him thoroughly."

The minister questioned the strength of the opposition, arguing that a prolonged crisis within the PDP has prevented it from serving as a formidable alternative to the ruling party....