Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has taken a swipe at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of placing personal ambitions above national interests.
This comes in the wake of a public spat between the two politicians following Wike’s comments labeling Atiku a “rejected politician.”
The feud reignited after Atiku reacted to the local government elections in Rivers State, where he commended the people of Rivers for rejecting political oppression and self-serving godfathers.
Atiku’s remarks appeared to target Wike, who had once been his ally but now serves in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Wike dismissed Atiku’s statement, questioning how the former vice-president could celebrate an election he neither participated in nor contested. In a biting remark, Wike said, “You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, so pack up and go home.”
In a swift counter, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, released a statement, characterizing Wike’s remarks as “petty grievances” and accusing the minister of focusing on personal vendettas instead of addressing pressing national issues.
Atiku rebuked Wike for his involvement in local matters in Rivers State rather than fulfilling his role as FCT Minister, suggesting that Wike’s actions reflect his true priorities.
“If he believes Nigerians are satisfied with the current state of governance under his administration, it shows where his loyalty lies—not with the people, but with his self-interest,” Atiku asserted.
Atiku, who ran as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, further accused Wike of grandstanding for the media, saying, “He enjoys the spectacle of attacking others on live TV while avoiding real issues affecting Nigerians. But we won’t be drawn into the mud where he operates—we will rise above, focusing on the welfare of the people.”
This latest war of words between the two prominent politicians highlights the deepening rift within the opposition party, with Wike’s alignment with the ruling government putting him at odds with former allies like Atiku.
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