Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar as a “voodoo economist” while dismissing his chances of emerging as a leading contender in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike made the remarks in Abuja while reacting to Atiku’s recent comments on the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Atiku had said he would not remove the subsidy if elected president, arguing that the subsidy regime had been associated with fraud. He also challenged the Federal Government to disclose how much had been generated from the subsidy removal and how the funds had been spent.
Wike Says Tinubu Is the Only Leading Candidate
Wike rejected the suggestion that Atiku is among the leading presidential contenders, insisting that President Bola Tinubu remains the strongest candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
“I disagree that Atiku is one of the leading presidential candidates. We have only one leading candidate, and that is Bola Tinubu,” Wike said.
The FCT minister also questioned the strength of the opposition, arguing that the political landscape currently favours the ruling administration.
“2027 is gone because we don’t have any opposition that wants to wrestle power from the government,” he said.
Wike Questions Atiku’s Subsidy Position
Wike also criticised what he described as a change in Atiku’s position on fuel subsidy.
According to the minister, Atiku had previously indicated that he would remove the subsidy but was now taking a different position ahead of the 2027 election.
“Atiku, who is a voodoo economist, will say anything just to be president,” Wike said.
“This was a man who was going to remove the fuel subsidy in 2022. Now, in 2026, he is not going to remove the fuel subsidy.”
Wike questioned whether Atiku would return to the same subsidy arrangement he had previously criticised as fraudulent.
He urged political leaders to maintain consistency in their positions and policies when addressing Nigerians.
The exchange adds to the growing political confrontation between supporters of the Tinubu administration and opposition figures as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
