Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that his principal will work against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition in 2027.
Olayinka made the statement in response to Atiku’s recent remark that he had no regrets about not selecting Wike as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.
Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the last election, revealed that a committee had recommended three possible running mates—former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Wike, and ex-Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel.
He ultimately chose Okowa.
Reacting on X, Olayinka dismissed Atiku’s comment, stating that Wike also had no regrets about losing the vice-presidential slot.
He emphasized that Wike contributed to Atiku’s defeat in 2023 and would ensure a similar outcome in 2027.
“Two years after making the PDP lose a presidential election it could have won, Atiku is still explaining why he didn’t pick Wike as his running mate,” Olayinka wrote.
“Someone should remind our serial presidential contestant that Wike has no regrets and will ensure he fails again.”
Atiku recently announced the formation of a coalition of opposition leaders aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
This move has fueled speculation about who will lead the alliance, with figures such as former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State
Governor Nasir El-Rufai considered key players.
When asked about his potential candidacy in 2027, Atiku remained undecided, stating that establishing a strong political platform was the priority before any decision on candidacy could be made.
“I don’t know yet. First, we need a viable platform—more than at any other time in our political history,” he said.
Despite his six unsuccessful presidential bids, Atiku did not rule out another run, stressing the country’s need for experienced leadership.
He compared the situation to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, recalling how opposition leaders united behind one candidate to secure victory.
“We had a similar merger in 2014.
Four of us ran, one emerged, and we all supported the winner,” he added.