The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ridiculed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, labelling them political gamblers.
Naija News reports that Wike accused the opposition figures of chasing the presidency without demonstrating a convincing strategy for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
He made the remarks on Friday at a town hall programme hosted by the Rainbow Coalition in Ayama, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering attracted traditional authorities, political stakeholders, academics, women and young people, whom Wike encouraged to look beyond campaign speeches when deciding which candidates to support.
He advised Nigerians to investigate the track records of presidential hopefuls, arguing that their previous performances should carry more weight than the promises they make while seeking votes.
Atiku came under particular scrutiny from the minister, who questioned the former vice president’s repeated attempts to secure the nation’s top political position.
Wike maintained that Nigerians should not entrust their future to politicians whose ambitions, as he portrayed them, were not supported by sufficient evidence of effective leadership.
He urged voters to favour individuals with verifiable accomplishments and demonstrated capacity to govern.
Warning against placing the country’s future in the hands of what he called political gamblers, Wike said, “Don’t trust your destiny to political gamblers. Don’t trust your destiny to ‘kalokalo’ people.”
He further argued that Nigerians should support a leader whose performance in previous public assignments provides evidence of their ability to deliver on promises.
The minister also turned attention to his record as Rivers State governor, challenging those who occupied the position before him to identify their contributions to Abua/Odual.
He insisted that his administration left a visible mark on the area through infrastructure development, particularly road construction and improved access between communities.
According to Wike, political leaders should be evaluated based on the projects they execute and the benefits their policies bring to the people, rather than the claims they make about their achievements.
“I challenge any other person who was governor to come to Abua/Odual and point out what he or she did for the people of Abua/Odual,” he declared.
Addressing the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, Wike appealed to party faithful, community representatives and other influential figures to settle their disputes and strengthen their cooperation.
He cautioned that disagreements among political allies could weaken their collective efforts and reduce their chances of recording a decisive victory during the forthcoming polls.
The former Rivers governor called for a united front, urging stakeholders to work together towards securing an impressive electoral outcome.
“We don’t want to lose one vote in this January 16, 2027, general election. I want all of us to win with a margin that will surprise everybody,” he said.
Wike also voiced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term in office, commending the administration for what he described as efforts to improve economic stability and resolve labour disputes affecting tertiary institutions.
His comments reflect the continuing political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 elections, as prominent politicians intensify their criticism of rivals and rally support for their preferred candidates.
