Monday, October 19, 2026

I won’t let Atiku win 2027 presidential election, says Wike

Mr Wike said his frequent visits to Rivers State was to remain politically engaged with his people. 

• September 2, 2026
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and Atiku Abubakar
Nyesom Wike and Atiku Abubakar

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, loses the 2027 presidential election.

Mr Wike disclosed this on Wednesday, during his monthly media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“You want me to fold my hand for Atiku Abubakar to come and win the election?” Mr Wike said.

Earlier, Mr Wike during his inspection of the Apo-Karshi Road and the 14-kilometre dualisation of the Buhari-Kubwa Satellite Town access road, in Abuja, on August 22, said, “I don’t want to lose my state! I will be in my state. I have two states: FCT and my state.”

The minister denied planing to abandon his official duties as minister in Abuja, explaining that his frequent visits to Rivers State, was to remain politically engaged with his people. 

He said, “It’s not about relocating; it’s about coming home to relate with the people and talk to them, and also do those things you know how to do very well, not to take chances.

“So, I’m not relocating. I don’t need to relocate, but I also have to be in touch with my people so that I don’t just sit in Abuja and then say that everything is going on there well.

“I don’t want to sit in Abuja and candidates are saying, ‘Oh, don’t bother, everything is going on well’. I have to come home and see that all those things are going on. ‘Have you done this? What about this?’”

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