Wike Blasts Atiku, Peter Obi, Amaechi, Calls Them Political Gamblers Ahead Of 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as “political gamblers,” accusing them of pursuing presidential ambitions without a clear vision for Nigeria.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Wike made the remarks on Friday during a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting in Ayama, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Addressing traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, women and youths at the gathering, the minister urged Nigerians to assess presidential candidates based on their records and achievements rather than campaign promises.

Wike particularly criticised Atiku over his repeated attempts to become president, warning Nigerians against entrusting the country’s future to politicians he believes have not demonstrated the capacity to lead.

“Don’t trust your destiny to political gamblers. Don’t trust your destiny to ‘kalokalo’ people,” Wike said.

He argued that Nigerians should support a candidate with a proven record of performance, insisting that the country’s future should be entrusted to someone whose leadership abilities had already been tested.

Speaking about his tenure as governor of Rivers State, Wike challenged former governors to identify projects they executed in Abua/Odual, maintaining that his administration had made significant contributions to the area’s development.

He cited road construction and improved connectivity as examples of projects undertaken during his time in office.

“I challenge any other person who was governor to come to Abua/Odual and point out what he or she did for the people of Abua/Odual,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor also called on political leaders and stakeholders in the area to resolve their differences and work together ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike urged party members to close ranks and avoid internal disagreements that could weaken their electoral chances. He expressed his desire for the coalition to secure a decisive victory in the forthcoming polls.

“We don’t want to lose one vote in this January 16, 2027, general election. I want all of us to win with a margin that will surprise everybody,” he said.

The FCT minister also declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, praising the administration for what he described as efforts to stabilise key sectors of the economy and restore industrial harmony in tertiary institutions.

He urged political stakeholders in Abua/Odual to mobilise support for Tinubu and other candidates aligned with their political coalition as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.