The presidential candidate of the , , has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , over his recent declaration that the former Vice President would fail to secure up to 10 per cent of votes in during the 2027 presidential election.
The exchange marks another chapter in the long-running political rivalry between Atiku and Wike, whose relationship deteriorated sharply following the crisis within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and one of the most influential political figures in the South-South region, had made the remarks during a luncheon organised on Saturday in honour of candidates of the Rainbow Coalition for the 2027 elections in the state.
Speaking before party loyalists, political associates and coalition members, the FCT minister expressed confidence that the ADC and its presidential candidate would perform poorly in Rivers State, insisting that the political structure under his influence remained dominant and unbeatable.
According to Wike, Atiku and the ADC would not secure up to 10 per cent of the total votes cast in Rivers State in the next presidential election.
The minister also boasted that no governorship candidate outside the Rainbow Coalition would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election in the oil-rich state, declaring that political forces aligned with him would determine the next occupant of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Wike said the coalition had already begun strategic consultations and mobilisation efforts aimed at consolidating political control ahead of the elections.
His comments, however, drew swift reaction from Atiku’s camp, which dismissed the claims as arrogant and politically misleading.
Supporters of the former Vice President accused the FCT minister of attempting to intimidate opposition voices and overestimating his political influence in Rivers State.
They argued that the political landscape in the state had changed significantly in recent years and that no individual could solely determine electoral outcomes in a democratic system.
Atiku’s allies further insisted that Nigerians were more concerned about issues of governance, economic hardship, insecurity and national unity than political threats and boastful declarations.
According to them, the ADC was focused on building a strong grassroots movement across the country, including Rivers State, ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest war of words has again highlighted the widening cracks among opposition figures and former political allies ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Wike and Atiku were once prominent members of the PDP leadership bloc before disagreements over the party’s presidential ticket and zoning arrangement created deep divisions within the party.
In the buildup to the 2023 elections, Wike led the G5 governors’ movement, which opposed Atiku’s presidential ambition and demanded the resignation of the then PDP National Chairman, arguing that power should shift to the South.
The crisis weakened the opposition party and contributed to internal fragmentation that persisted after the elections.
Since his appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Wike has remained a controversial but influential political figure, frequently engaging in verbal battles with opposition leaders and critics.
Political observers believe his latest comments may further intensify political tensions in Rivers State, which has historically remained one of Nigeria’s most fiercely contested political battlegrounds.
Meanwhile, analysts say the emergence of new political alliances and coalitions ahead of 2027 could reshape voting patterns across the country, particularly in the South-South region where political loyalties continue to evolve.
Despite Wike’s confidence, opposition politicians in Rivers State insist that the election remains open and that the final decision will rest with the electorate.
They maintained that no coalition or political godfather could single-handedly dictate the outcome of democratic contests in the state.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum, the growing exchanges between leading political actors are expected to dominate national discourse and signal the fierce battles ahead in the race for power.
