Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, had commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, for his commitment to the interests of the people.
“With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the state.
“From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing is greater than democracy.
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“As prophesied, it has now been 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,” Atiku had said in a statement shared on X.
Reacting during a luncheon in honour of the 10th Rivers State Assembly on Saturday, Wike claimed Atiku had lost relevance in politics.
He argued that the former Vice President had been rejected by Nigerians, having contested the presidential elections and lost “many times”.
“We never contested the local government elections. Did we contest? Did we pick forms? I hear Atiku Abubakar say, ‘Oh, they have rejected me in Rivers State.’ Okay, assuming, though not conceding, that he has lost many times, Nigerians have also rejected him.
“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,” he said.
Atiku and Wike sought the presidential ticket of the PDP for the 2023 election.
Wike, however, fell out with Atiku after the latter won the party’s ticket and overlooked him as running mate, settling for ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
All efforts to reconcile them ended in deadlock and Wike eventually worked for President Bola Tinubu, Atiku’s main rival in the election.
Apparently to compensate him, Tinubu chose Wike as minister.
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