The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has responded to remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who recently claimed that Atiku would not secure up to 10 per cent of votes in Rivers State during the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said the people of Rivers State are capable of making independent political decisions and cannot be controlled by any individual.
DAILY POST reports that Wike had vowed that Atiku would fail to obtain up to 10 per cent of the total votes cast in Rivers State in the next presidential election.
Reacting to the comment, Atiku described Wike’s statement as a sign of growing anxiety within President Bola Tinubu’s camp over the emergence of a strong opposition coalition under the ADC.
He said Nigerians are more concerned about rising living costs, worsening insecurity and economic hardship than political predictions from government officials.
Atiku also criticised Wike for allegedly acting as though Rivers voters belonged to him.
“The votes of Rivers people are not your property. The people of Rivers State are not political slaves. They are intelligent, independent-minded Nigerians who will make their choices based on the realities confronting them and the future they desire for their children.
“No individual, regardless of influence or access to federal power, can dictate how an entire state will vote,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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