2027: Obasanjo’s Testimony on Atiku, Amaechi’s Entry Worsened ADC Ticket — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to account for his record in office, urging Nigerians to examine his years in government as he pursues another presidential bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike also argued that the entry of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had made the party’s presidential ticket more complicated. He questioned whether the opposition platform could offer a convincing alternative to President Bola Tinubu.

The minister spoke on Thursday during a Rainbow Coalition meeting in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he called on Atiku to explain his performance during his eight years as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, from 1999 to 2007.

Wike noted that Atiku held considerable influence in the administration and played a leading role in the Federal Government’s privatisation programme. He argued that Nigerians should assess the results of his time in office rather than focus only on his repeated attempts to become president.

The FCT minister, who disclosed that he had previously contested a presidential primary against Atiku, questioned the former vice-president’s contributions to the country during that period.

He maintained that the impact of Atiku’s involvement in government should be part of the public debate surrounding his 2027 ambition, asking what Nigerians could point to as evidence of his achievements.

Wike also referred to Obasanjo’s past criticism of Atiku, including the former president’s reported expression of regret over supporting his former deputy’s emergence as vice-president.

He argued that Obasanjo’s assessment of their time in government deserved consideration when examining Atiku’s political record. Wike urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to scrutinise presidential aspirants based on their public service records rather than emotion or party loyalty.

The minister extended his criticism to Amaechi, questioning the basis for presenting the former Rivers governor and Atiku as a credible alternative to Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

He challenged Amaechi to explain several projects and financial transactions associated with his eight-year administration in Rivers State, which lasted from 2007 to 2015.

Among the issues raised by Wike were an alleged $10 million expenditure on a mosquito-control programme, $39 million reportedly allocated to a proposed specialist hospital and N68 billion spent on a monorail project.

He also questioned the handling of proceeds from the reported sale of a gas turbine in December 2014, which he said was valued at $308 million.

Wike demanded explanations about the whereabouts and use of the funds, arguing that former public officeholders should account for the projects and transactions undertaken during their administrations.

The allegations were raised by Wike at the political gathering and were not independently established in the information provided. Amaechi’s response to the claims was not included in the account.

The minister said voters should consider the records and performance of political aspirants before deciding who should lead the country, rather than relying solely on campaign promises and political rhetoric.

Earlier, the Zonal Director of the Post Primary Schools Board, Chimereze Nworgo, praised Wike’s record as Rivers governor, saying residents of Ogbia Local Government Area continued to appreciate some of the security and infrastructure interventions associated with his administration.

Nworgo cited the construction of the Ogbia-Nembe Road, improved road connectivity, the establishment of a model secondary school and recognition of traditional institutions among the initiatives he said had benefited the community.

He also commended Wike for supporting the political representation of Ogbia indigenes at the national level, including Ambassador Desmond Eji Akawu.

While reaffirming the community’s support for Wike, Nworgo appealed for further development projects, including road construction and rehabilitation, a general hospital, renovation of dilapidated schools and employment opportunities for young people.

He also called for more empowerment programmes and political appointments for Ogbia indigenes at both state and federal levels.

Nworgo clarified that the community’s endorsement did not mean all its development challenges had been resolved, but reflected its willingness to continue engaging with Wike in pursuit of its needs.

At the meeting, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, presented a gift to Wike on behalf of the council in recognition of his position as FCT minister and leader of the Rainbow Coalition.