2027: Rivers Votes Not Your Property — Atiku Fires Back at Wike

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, insisting that Rivers State voters are free to make their own political choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku's reaction followed Wike’s recent declaration that the former Vice President would not secure up to 10 per cent of the votes cast in Rivers State during the next presidential election.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described Wike’s comments as evidence of growing anxiety within the camp of President Bola Tinubu over the emergence of a strong opposition coalition under the ADC.

According to the statement, no individual, regardless of political influence or access to government power, can determine how an entire state will vote.

“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,” Atiku said.

“Rivers votes are not your property. No individual, regardless of influence or access to federal power, can dictate how an entire state will vote.”

The former Vice President argued that Nigerians are more concerned about pressing national challenges such as rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship than political predictions by public office holders.

He maintained that the electorate would ultimately judge political parties and candidates based on their records, policies and capacity to address the country's challenges.

Atiku also suggested that Wike’s comments reflected concern about the growing acceptance of the ADC coalition among Nigerians seeking political alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections.

The exchange follows Wike’s remarks at a political gathering in Rivers State where he expressed confidence that Atiku would perform poorly in the state during the next presidential contest.

Political observers believe the latest war of words highlights the intensifying political rivalry and realignments already shaping the build-up to the 2027 general elections.

With political parties gradually mobilising and forming alliances, Rivers State is expected to remain one of the key battlegrounds in the race for the presidency.