Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has sharply criticized Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), branding him a "voodoo economist" and questioning his viability as a candidate for the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Wike's comments came during a press briefing while inspecting ongoing road projects in Abuja, where he expressed his belief that only President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stands as a genuine contender for the presidency.

Wike's remarks were prompted by Atiku's recent statements regarding the controversial fuel subsidy. In a Hausa language interview, Atiku claimed he did not oppose the removal of the subsidy but questioned the whereabouts of the funds that were meant to alleviate poverty and support education. He vowed that if elected, he would reinstate the subsidy and seek restitution for any misappropriated funds. This shift in Atiku's position, from advocating for its removal in 2022 to promising its restoration in 2026, has drawn Wike's ire.

"I disagree with you that Atiku is one of the leading candidates, I disagree with you. You have only one leading candidate, and that’s Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu. I have told people this will be the easiest election," Wike stated, emphasizing his confidence in the current administration's standing.

Wike further criticized Atiku's inconsistency, suggesting that such contradictions undermine his integrity as a leader. He questioned Atiku's ability to fulfill his promise of reinstating the subsidy, pointing out that under the Petroleum Industry Act, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has been fully commercialized and is no longer the sole importer or producer of fuel. Wike asked rhetorically if Atiku intended to provide subsidies to the Dangote Refinery, highlighting the impracticality of such a promise.

In Wike's view, a more reasonable approach would involve advocating for better utilization of savings from the subsidy removal rather than a blanket reinstatement. He praised the Tinubu administration for easing financial pressures on state and local governments, noting improvements in salary payments and pension disbursements since the subsidy was lifted.

"Nobody talks about non-payment of pensions, nobody talks about non-payment of salaries. Before, for you to pay salaries, you would beg and beg the banks to give you money. But all those things are now things of the past," Wike remarked, reinforcing his stance against Atiku's economic proposals.

On the topic of security in Abuja, Wike dismissed claims of rising crime rates, asserting that he had not received reports of increased armed robbery incidents. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of security agencies to manage any security challenges that may arise.

As the 2027 election approaches, Wike's comments reflect a broader narrative within the political landscape, where opposition unity is questioned, and the ruling party appears to maintain a stronghold on power. Wike's assertion that there is less opposition cohesion now compared to the previous election cycle suggests a challenging path ahead for any contenders against the APC.