Rivers Votes Not Your Personal Property, Atiku Slams Wike

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike that he and the African Democratic Congress would fail to make an impact in Rivers State during the 2027 presidential election.

The exchange followed comments made by Wike during a luncheon organised for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State. The former governor expressed confidence that the ADC would not secure as much as 10 percent of votes in the state. He also maintained that the governorship election would be won only by a candidate supported by his political coalition.

In response, Atiku argued that the people of Rivers State are capable of making their own political choices without pressure from any individual. He said the voters in the state are independent-minded and should not be viewed as people whose votes can be controlled or directed by any political figure.

According to the statement, Atiku believes no politician, regardless of influence or position in government, has the power to determine how an entire state will vote during an election. He maintained that Rivers residents will make decisions based on their interests, current realities and expectations for the future.

The former vice president also suggested that Wike’s remarks reflected concerns within the camp of President Bola Tinubu over the growing activities of opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle. He said the emergence of a coalition under the ADC had changed the political landscape and attracted attention across the country.

Atiku further stated that many Nigerians are currently focused on issues affecting their daily lives, including rising living costs, insecurity and economic difficulties. He argued that these challenges are of greater concern to citizens than political predictions about election outcomes.

The latest war of words adds another chapter to the growing rivalry between both politicians as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to gather pace. Political observers expect more exchanges in the coming months as parties and alliances position themselves ahead of the contest.