RismadarVoice Reporters
October 16, 2026
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a fresh criticism of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, describing them as political gamblers whose ambitions should be carefully examined ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike accused the opposition figures of repeatedly pursuing political power without, in his assessment, demonstrating sufficient commitment to national development.
The former Rivers State governor made the remarks on Friday, October 16, during a town hall meeting in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, women’s groups, academics, youths and other stakeholders to discuss political developments and issues affecting the area.
Addressing participants, Wike urged Nigerians to assess the records, motivations and previous performances of individuals seeking public office rather than relying exclusively on campaign promises.
He warned residents against entrusting the country’s leadership to politicians he characterised as pursuing power through repeated electoral contests.
WIKE CRITICISES ATIKU’S REPEATED PRESIDENTIAL AMBITIONS
Wike singled out Atiku Abubakar for criticism over his repeated attempts to become Nigeria’s president.
The minister argued that the former vice-president’s continued participation in presidential contests demonstrated what he considered a recurring pursuit of political power.
“Don’t trust your destiny to political gamblers. Don’t trust your destiny to kalokalo people,” Wike told the gathering.
He continued: “Atiku has run for presidency several times! That is why I said he is a political gambler. Every four years, he gambles. Every four years he gambles.”
Wike maintained that Nigerians should question the motivations of politicians who repeatedly seek elective office and determine whether their ambitions are supported by credible plans for improving governance.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice-president between 1999 and 2007, has contested presidential elections on several occasions and remains a prominent figure in opposition politics.
However, repeated participation in elections is not, by itself, evidence of wrongdoing or a lack of commitment to public service.
Wike’s remarks represent his political assessment of the former vice-president’s ambitions.
AMAECHI, OBI ALSO COME UNDER CRITICISM
The FCT minister extended his criticism to Rotimi Amaechi and Peter Obi, accusing both former governors of being more interested in securing political office than addressing the country’s development challenges.
Amaechi, who previously governed Rivers State and served as Minister of Transportation, has remained active in national political discussions.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and emerged as one of the leading opposition candidates.
Wike urged voters to examine the political histories of the three figures and determine whether their records justified renewed support in 2027.
He maintained that political ambition should be accompanied by demonstrable achievements and practical plans for governance.
The minister’s comments come amid growing political exchanges between supporters of President Bola Tinubu and opposition figures ahead of the next presidential election.
WIKE CHALLENGES FORMER RIVERS GOVERNORS OVER ABUA-ODUAL PROJECTS
Turning his attention to development in Abua-Odual, Wike challenged former governors of Rivers State to identify projects they executed in the local government area during their respective administrations.
He argued that political leaders seeking public support should be prepared to provide evidence of their contributions to community development.
“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 declared.
Wike maintained that his administration had undertaken infrastructure projects intended to improve accessibility and economic activities in the area.
He specifically referred to road infrastructure and connections towards Abonnema, which he said were part of efforts to improve transportation and connectivity.
The minister urged residents to compare the development records of past administrations when evaluating political leaders.
He insisted that public officeholders should be judged by their achievements rather than political rhetoric.
MINISTER CALLS FOR RECONCILIATION AMONG PARTY STAKEHOLDERS
Wike also appealed for unity among political leaders and stakeholders in Abua-Odual ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged party members to resolve internal disagreements, reconcile with aggrieved supporters and work collectively towards their electoral objectives.
“I have forgiven everybody. You too, forgive everybody,” he said.
The minister emphasised that political reconciliation was necessary to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and prevent divisions that could weaken electoral performance.
He encouraged party leaders to reach out to individuals who had become dissatisfied with internal political developments and persuade them to return to active participation.
Wike warned that unresolved disagreements could affect the ability of political groups to mobilise voters effectively.
WIKE TARGETS STRONG ELECTORAL PERFORMANCE IN 2027
Speaking on preparations for the next general election, Wike urged political stakeholders to intensify mobilisation and ensure broad participation among supporters.
He said the objective was to secure an overwhelming electoral victory in the area.
“We don’t want to lose one vote in this 16th of January 2027 general election. I want all of us to win with the margin that will surprise everybody,” he stated.
The minister encouraged political leaders to strengthen their engagement with communities and maintain contact with grassroots supporters.
His remarks reflected the increasing importance being placed on voter mobilisation as political parties and their supporters prepare for the 2027 elections.
WIKE PRAISES TINUBU’S ADMINISTRATION
Wike also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the Federal Government had made progress in addressing some of Nigeria’s economic and institutional challenges.
He cited what he described as efforts to stabilise key sectors of the economy and promote industrial harmony in tertiary institutions.
The minister maintained that the administration deserved continued public support to consolidate its policies and development programmes.
He urged residents of Abua-Odual to support the President and evaluate the Federal Government’s performance against the proposals of opposition politicians.
The town hall meeting comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with leading political figures increasingly exchanging criticism over leadership records, governance and the direction of the country.
While Wike has questioned the motivations of Atiku, Amaechi and Obi, his accusations remain political opinions rather than established findings about the intentions of the three opposition figures.
The views of the politicians criticised were not included in the account of the meeting.
