Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of Nigerians. 

This was in response to Wike’s recent remarks in Port Harcourt, where he referred to Atiku as a “rejected politician.”

Wike’s comments followed Atiku’s reaction to the recent local government elections in Rivers State, where Atiku stated that the elections had revealed that “the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.”

Wike, seemingly dismissing Atiku’s statement, said, “If you say for an election we did not contest, never participated in, that it shows Nigerians have rejected us, fine. You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, so pack up and go home.”

In a sharp response through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku called Wike’s remarks “a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances.” 

He added, “If he truly believes Nigerians are content with the current state of affairs under the government he serves, it reveals a deeper truth: his priorities lie not with the people but with himself.”

Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate in the last election, further accused Wike of being preoccupied with his own interests. “This self-absorption is evident in his preoccupation with domestic affairs in Rivers rather than his ministerial responsibilities,” Atiku remarked.

He continued, “While he may seek to divert attention with his baseless rants, we remain focused on the genuine issues affecting Nigerians. It is clear that Mr. Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges faced by the nation. In contrast, our commitment remains unwavering, centred on the welfare and progress of the people.”

Atiku also criticized Wike for indulging in media spectacles, stating, “Mr. Wike appears to delight in conjuring fantasies, indulging in his imagination, and paying for live TV coverage to launch tirades against whomever he pleases. However, we shall not descend into the gutters where he feels at home. Instead, we prefer to rise above, maintaining our dignity while others revel in the mud.”