Wike’s Aide Tells Atiku to Drop 2027 Bid, Cite Betrayal History

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been advised to abandon any plans of running for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in 2027.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, delivered a scathing message, asserting that Atiku’s past actions have disqualified him from representing the party again.

Olayinka, referencing Wike’s recent statements during a media briefing in Abuja, remarked that Atiku, who was the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, should let go of any aspirations for 2027, as “the PDP ticket will not be wasted by serial betrayals who have alienated the party and its members.”

Reacting through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku highlighted his previous victories over Wike and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, in securing the PDP ticket in 2019 and 2023.

However, in a statement on Thursday, Olayinka criticized Atiku’s response, calling his celebration of the 2023 primary win “funny and childish.”He likened it to “Arsenal fans celebrating a narrow victory over the Super Falcons.”

He added, “Atiku venerating himself for contesting against Wike and Tambuwal—people who were barely adults when he first ran in 1993—shows it’s time for him to retire from politics.”

Olayinka further accused Atiku of sabotaging the PDP by his past decisions, saying, “Atiku is paying the price for betraying the party in 2003, 2007, and 2014. If he had been less ambitious, the presidency could have been his for the taking.”

He referenced Atiku’s 2007 bid for president under the Action Congress while serving as Vice President elected under the PDP, calling it a major betrayal.

He continued, “Atiku’s conscience will forever be burdened by his 2023 actions in Lagos. His 2018 apology to PDP members can’t erase that stain of betrayal.”

Olayinka warned Atiku against listening to advisors who claim he is essential for the PDP’s victory, concluding, “The PDP ticket won’t be for someone who loses an election, escapes to Dubai, and returns two years before the next campaign.”