Nyesom Wike criticizes Atiku Abubakar, dismisses 2027 presidential bid

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, calling him a "serial failure" and rejecting his criticisms of the current administration. Speaking during an inspection of infrastructure projects in the FCT, Wike challenged Atiku to compare his record in office with the current developments in the FCT, stating that the transformation is clear despite the current administration being in office for less than three years. Wike also referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo's past remarks about Atiku's character and credibility. He sarcastically encouraged Atiku to continue contesting elections, but insisted that the 2027 presidential race is "not available for him." Additionally, Wike dismissed allegations from the African Democratic Congress that he attempted to revoke the license of the Rainbow Event Centre to disrupt their national convention, calling the claims false and questioning the party's timeline for the convention request. He also downplayed the strength of a proposed opposition coalition involving figures like Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Nasir El-Rufai, stating it would not pose a serious challenge and advising opposition parties to focus on internal affairs. Atiku Abubakar had previously stated that the 2027 presidential election would be his last.