Wike says Obi, Atiku have nothing to offer ahead of 2027

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has dismissed the presidential ambitions of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, saying neither has anything to offer Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike spoke on Thursday at his monthly media chat with journalists. He said Nigerians remember how those who previously held power performed, and argued that Obi and Atiku do not present a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu.

“Nigerians know that Atiku and co have been given the opportunity and they did not do anything. Nigerians know that Obi has nothing to offer,” Wike said, according to the reports.

He also challenged anyone to name a candidate who could match Tinubu in a runoff, asking: “Assuming there is a presidential runoff, it will be between Tinubu and who?”

Wike acknowledged that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is popular, especially in the North, but questioned whether that support could translate into a national victory. He recalled that Kwankwaso won Kano and other northern states in 2023.

On Rivers State, Wike said Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political future is not over, describing him as young and an active member of the Rainbow Coalition, a group supporting Tinubu’s re-election. He said Fubara unveiled the coalition’s candidates in Rivers State.

Why it matters

The comments come as political parties and figures begin realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. For ordinary Nigerians, the debate over who can fix the economy, security and power supply will shape how they vote.

Wike’s remarks also signal that the battle for the presidency is already heating up, even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet released a timetable for the 2027 polls.

What happens next

Opposition parties are expected to respond to Wike’s claims. Nigerians will watch whether the candidates he criticised will reply directly or focus on building their campaign structures.