Wike’s Camp Vows to Crush Atiku’s 2027 Ambitions, Declares ‘No Regrets’ for His 2023 Defeat

In a dramatic escalation of political rivalry, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that his principal will go to great lengths to frustrate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential ambitions.

Olayinka made the bold statement in reaction to Atiku’s recent remark that he had no regrets over not selecting Wike as his running mate in the 2023 election. Atiku, who led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into a failed presidential bid, claimed a committee recommended three names—former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Wike, and ex-Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel—before he ultimately picked Okowa.

But Wike’s camp has hit back, insisting that the FCT Minister also has “no regrets” about working against Atiku’s 2023 campaign—and will do so again in 2027.

“Two years after making the PDP lose a presidential election it could have won, Atiku is still justifying why he didn’t pick Wike. Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike has no regrets ensuring his failure—and will make sure he fails again,” Olayinka posted on X.

The war of words comes as Atiku pushes for a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, sparking speculation over whether he will run again. With former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai rumored to be key players in the alliance, questions remain: Will Atiku attempt another bid, and if he does, will Wike once again be his biggest political nightmare?