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By News Desk
ABUJA, Nigeria — A reported statement attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, demanding absolute loyalty from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and threatening him with political retirement, has sparked fresh debate across national political circles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to widely circulated reports, Wike warned that if Atiku fails to demonstrate loyalty and align with his political leadership structure, he will ensure the former presidential candidate is permanently retired from active politics.
The rift between both figures traces back to the fallout from the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary and the subsequent refusal of Atiku’s camp to yield to the demands of Wike’s G-5 governors’ group. Since assuming office as FCT Minister under the All Progressives Congress administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wike has maintained leverage within key political structures, repeatedly dismissing opposition figures like Atiku and Peter Obi as incapable of mounting a unified presidential challenge in 2027.
Atiku’s political camp has previously rejected threats of forced retirement, maintaining that the former Vice President remains a central figure in broader opposition coalition efforts ahead of the next election cycle. Political analysts view Wike’s latest ultimatum as part of ongoing power struggles for influence as key political leaders position themselves ahead of party conventions and electoral alliances.
