2027: If Tinubu falls in North, Atiku falls in South – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would face a major challenge in the South if President Bola Tinubu encounters difficulties in the Northern region ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made the remarks during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while discussing the emerging political realignments ahead of the election.

According to him, the political strategy adopted by the G5 governors during the 2023 presidential election was aimed at limiting Atiku’s chances in the South, where he was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“If Tinubu has problem in the North, Atiku will have in the South,” Wike said.

The FCT minister said the G5 governors, who opposed the PDP’s decision to retain its presidential candidate from the North despite calls for power rotation, understood that Atiku was Tinubu’s major challenger in 2023 and worked to reduce his influence in the South.

“We knew the man contesting against Tinubu in 2023 was Atiku. We wanted then Benue State governor to support Obi. We also told Cross River to support Obi and Oyo to support him. This was done to defeat Atiku,” he said.

Wike also dismissed suggestions that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had a nationwide political advantage despite his strong support among sections of voters.

He said public enthusiasm around Obi’s name did not necessarily translate into broad electoral strength.

“To Obi, he is very popular each time people shout Obi-Obi. After the NBA Conference, where they shouted his name, I’m sure he went home satisfied. But in the real sense, he is not popular,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor also questioned the strength of opposition alliances ahead of 2027, as political parties and groups continue to reposition ahead of the general election.