The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent claim that the opposition would struggle to secure up to 10 per cent of votes in Rivers State in the 2027 general elections.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, had asserted during a weekend political gathering in the state that Atiku and the ADC stood no chance of making significant electoral gains in the South-South state.
He also maintained that only candidates endorsed by his political coalition would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.
However, reacting in a statement issued on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed Wike’s remarks as undemocratic and reflective of political desperation.
The former Vice President stressed that the people of Rivers State are politically aware and fully capable of determining their electoral choices without interference or intimidation.
He added that no individual, regardless of position or political influence, has the authority to predetermine or control how an entire state votes.
Atiku further described Wike’s comments as evidence of what he called growing anxiety within the ruling political establishment over the rising strength of the ADC-led opposition coalition.
According to him, it was inappropriate for the minister to speak as though the votes of Rivers people were under his personal control or influence.
“Rivers votes are not your property. The people of Rivers State are not political slaves. They are intelligent, independent-minded Nigerians who will decide their future based on their lived experiences and expectations for better governance,” the statement read.
He insisted that the electorate across Nigeria is more concerned about economic hardship, rising cost of living, and insecurity than political predictions and declarations by political office holders.
Atiku added that governance should take priority over early election campaigns and political posturing, warning against attempts to undermine the democratic rights of voters.
Wike has yet to issue a response to the latest remarks from the opposition presidential candidate.