Wike Slams Atiku: ‘Habitual Contender’ Who Keeps Failing at the Polls

Akahi News learnt that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a sharp attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a habitual presidential contender who repeatedly falls short at the polls. Wike’s remarks came on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja.

The minister dismissed Atiku’s criticism of the current administration as unfounded and out of touch with realities on the ground. He argued that visible development within the FCT contradicts claims that nothing meaningful has been achieved.

When a man who has contested for president multiple times without success opens his mouth to criticise, should anyone listen? That is the question Wike is posing to Nigerians. And he is not being subtle about his answer.

Wike: Atiku’s Credibility Is Undermined by His Electoral Record

Akahi News gathered that taking a swipe at the former vice president, the minister said Nigerians would not take such comments seriously, insisting that Atiku’s long history of contesting elections without success undermines his credibility. Wike also challenged Atiku to draw comparisons between the condition of Abuja during his time in office and the present state of the capital city.

“The difference is evident in the scale of ongoing and completed projects,” Wike maintained.

He stressed that governance must not be derailed by political rhetoric, noting that contractors handling key projects are focused on delivery timelines rather than election cycles. According to him, development efforts will continue uninterrupted despite political distractions.

It was alleged that Wike’s attack is not just personal. It is strategic. By painting Atiku as a perennial loser, the minister is attempting to delegitimise any criticism the former vice president levels against the Tinubu administration. After all, Wike seems to be asking, why should Nigerians listen to a man who cannot win an election?

But is that a fair argument? Does electoral failure invalidate the right to critique? Atiku has served as vice president. He has held public office. He has experience. Whether Nigerians choose to elect him is a different matter from whether his observations about governance are accurate.

Wike, however, is not in the mood for nuance. He is in campaign mode. And in campaign mode, the opposition must be ridiculed, not engaged.

Wike Provides Updates on FCT Infrastructure Projects

Providing updates on major infrastructure works, the minister disclosed that the Airport–Kuje road project is nearing completion, with part of the bridge expected to open for use within days. He assured residents that the entire project would be completed and handed over before the end of May.

Similarly, Wike said the first phase of the Kuje–Gwagwalada road dualisation, covering about seven kilometres, is also on track for completion within the same timeframe. He expressed satisfaction with both the pace and quality of work.

He noted that the road projects are strategically designed to improve connectivity between satellite towns and the city centre, reduce congestion, and stimulate economic growth. In particular, he projected that Kuje would soon evolve into a major residential and commercial hub.

Addressing allegations by the African Democratic Congress that the FCT Administration attempted to frustrate its convention, Wike denied any involvement, stating that no such interference occurred and challenging the party to provide evidence.

The minister further revealed that a significant portion of ongoing infrastructure projects, estimated at over 80 percent, would be completed before January, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to delivering impactful development across the territory.

Akahi News had earlier reported on the ongoing political battle between Wike and Atiku. The two were once allies in the Peoples Democratic Party. Now they are foes. Wike worked against Atiku’s presidential ambition and ended up in Tinubu’s cabinet. Atiku has not forgiven him. Wike does not seem to care.

It is not a child’s play for a minister to attack a former vice president so publicly. But Wike is not known for restraint. He speaks his mind. He picks fights. He moves on. That has been his style from his days as governor of Rivers State.

Atiku has not yet responded to Wike’s latest salvo. Perhaps he will. Perhaps he will ignore it. But the exchange sets the tone for the 2027 election campaign: the ruling party will paint the opposition as failures, while the opposition will paint the ruling party as incompetent. Nigerians will have to decide which narrative they believe.

For now, Wike is focusing on FCT infrastructure. Roads are being built. Bridges are nearing completion. He wants residents to see progress and associate that progress with the Tinubu administration. That is smart politics.

Whether Atiku’s criticism holds any weight is a separate question. But Wike has made his position clear: the former vice president is a habitual contender who keeps losing. And in politics, nothing stings like being called a loser.

Key Summary Box

What happened: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike launched a sharp attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a habitual presidential contender who repeatedly falls short at the polls.
When and where: Wike made the remarks on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.
Wike’s argument: He dismissed Atiku’s criticism of the current administration as unfounded, arguing that visible development in the FCT contradicts claims of inaction. He also said Atiku’s electoral failures undermine his credibility.
Infrastructure updates: Wike disclosed that the Airport–Kuje road project is nearing completion, with part of the bridge opening within days. The Kuje–Gwagwalada road dualisation is also on track. Over 80 percent of ongoing projects will be completed before January.
Why it matters to Nigerians: The exchange highlights the growing political rivalry between Wike and Atiku ahead of 2027. It also showcases the FCT minister’s efforts to link tangible infrastructure development to the Tinubu administration.
Bottom line: Wike has thrown the first punch. Atiku has been called a habitual loser. The battle for 2027 has begun—and it is personal.