Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to recent criticisms from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who labeled him a “rejected politician.”
Atiku, through his media adviser, dismissed Wike’s remarks as baseless and driven by personal grievances. He accused Wike of focusing on self-interest and indulging in “theatrical outbursts” instead of addressing Nigeria’s real issues.
Atiku suggested that Wike’s bitterness stems from losing to him in the 2022 PDP presidential primaries and vowed not to engage in mudslinging, stating he would not “descend into the gutter” with Wike.
Wike’s comments were a response to Atiku’s statement after the Rivers State local government elections, where Atiku praised the citizens for rejecting political manipulation. Wike, in turn, mocked Atiku for losing the presidential election, saying, “You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, so pack up and go home.”
In response, Atiku, through his media adviser Paul Ibe, dismissed Wike’s remarks as “a string of inanities, lacking substance,” adding that Wike’s actions show he is more concerned with his own ambitions than addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians. Atiku emphasized that while Wike indulges in “theatrical outbursts,” he remains focused on addressing real national issues.
Atiku also suggested that Wike’s continued attacks stem from bitterness over his loss to Atiku during the 2022 PDP presidential primaries. He further criticized Wike for being preoccupied with local politics rather than his ministerial duties, accusing him of paying for live TV coverage to launch baseless rants.
Despite Wike’s provocations, Atiku vowed not to engage in mudslinging, stating, “We prefer to rise above, maintaining our dignity while others revel in the mud.”
