Wike’s Aide Urges Atiku to Abandon 2027 Presidential Ambition

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to reconsider his pursuit of Nigeria’s presidency in 2027. In a statement that reflects growing tensions within the political scene, Olayinka claimed that Atiku is not meant to lead the country, arguing that the 2027 presidential ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) should not be “wasted” on individuals with a history of betraying the party.

Olayinka was particularly critical of Atiku’s past actions, which he believes have led to his political downfall. He emphasized that Atiku’s previous betrayals of the PDP, particularly in 2003, 2007, and 2014, have come back to haunt him. In his statement, Olayinka warned that the PDP should not entertain any further ambitions from Atiku, adding that the party needed to “breathe” and move on from the past.

This latest comment comes on the heels of remarks made by Wike, who recently stated in a live media session that Atiku would not secure the PDP’s presidential ticket in the upcoming 2027 elections. Atiku, who was the PDP’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, quickly responded through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, reminding Wike of his defeat in the 2022 PDP primary and the defeat of other prominent figures, such as Aminu Tambuwal, in the 2019 presidential contest.

Olayinka, however, dismissed Atiku’s celebrations of these past victories, labeling his claims as “funny and childish.” He drew a comparison to sports fans celebrating a narrow defeat, calling it a futile display. He pointed out that Atiku had vied for the PDP ticket against younger politicians like Wike and Tambuwal, who were only in their 20s when Atiku first contested for president in 1993. For Olayinka, this was further evidence that Atiku needed to step aside and allow new leadership to emerge.

In his criticism, Olayinka also suggested that Atiku’s repeated failure to secure the presidency was a result of his own ambition and lack of loyalty. He recalled Atiku’s decision to run for president under the Action Congress in 2007, while still serving as vice president under the PDP, as a prime example of his political disloyalty. This, according to Olayinka, is the true reason Atiku has been unable to realize his presidential ambitions.

As the 2027 election approaches, the power struggle within the PDP continues to deepen, with Olayinka’s comments adding fuel to the already tense atmosphere. Only time will tell if Atiku will heed the advice to retire from his presidential aspirations or continue his quest for Nigeria’s highest office.