Wike Mocks Amaechi Over Atiku’s 2027 Election Prediction, Questions His Political Argument

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed a prediction by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will win the 2027 presidential election.

Wike criticised Amaechi, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition ticket as its vice-presidential candidate, over his reported remarks during a town hall meeting in Cross River State.

Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday, the FCT minister questioned the basis of Amaechi’s prediction and claimed that fewer than 200 people attended the meeting.

“I watched Amaechi; he had a town hall meeting in Cross River. I can tell you the numbers, not up to 200 people,” Wike said.

Recounting Amaechi’s reported argument, Wike claimed that the former governor suggested Atiku had an advantage because he is from northern Nigeria, while President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi and Donald Duke are from the South.

“He said, ‘Atiku is from where? North. Tinubu is from where? South. Obi is from where? South. Donald Duke is from where? South. Atiku has won the election,’” Wike recounted.

The minister questioned why a vice-presidential candidate would declare the election effectively decided based on the regional origins of the major political contenders.

Wike also challenged the prediction by referring to the 2023 presidential election, in which Atiku, Obi and Tinubu contested for the presidency.

“In 2023, Atiku ran, Obi ran, Tinubu ran, who won?” he asked, pointing to Tinubu’s victory in that election.

The FCT minister, however, stressed that the 2027 presidential contest would be different from the 2023 election, suggesting that the outcome of the previous poll should not be used as a definitive guide to the next one.

His comments came amid discussions about the emerging opposition alliance and whether the political combination involving Atiku and Amaechi could pose a challenge to Tinubu’s bid for another term.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Wike’s remarks highlight the growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political figures debate the strength of rival camps and their prospects in the forthcoming contest.