Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would face challenges in the southern region if President Bola Tinubu encounters difficulties in the North ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Wike made the remarks during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while recalling the strategy adopted by the G5 governors during the 2023 presidential election.
“If Tinubu has problem in the North, Atiku will have in the South,” Wike said.
He said the G5 governors knew that Atiku was the major contender against Tinubu in the 2023 election and deliberately worked to frustrate his chances in the South.
“This was the G5 governors’ strategy in 2023,” Wike said.
“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.”
Wike also dismissed claims about the popularity Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, candidate Peter Obi, despite his strong support among some Nigerians.
According to him, Obi may enjoy significant public attention, particularly when his supporters chant his name, but this does not necessarily translate into broad electoral support.
“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.
2027: Atiku will face southern challenge if Tinubu struggles in north – Wike