Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has responded to recent remarks made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike had claimed that Nigerians have rejected Atiku and suggested that the former vice president should leave the political scene.
In response, Atiku stated that he would not “descend into the gutters” to exchange words with Wike. Wike had previously said, “I hear Atiku Abubakar said that Nigerians have rejected us in Rivers State. You, who have contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you; therefore, go back home.”
Through his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku addressed the situation, accusing Wike and his collaborators of playing politics with the sufferings of Nigerians. Ibe’s statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the recent remarks made by Mr. Nyesom Wike, which can only be described as another of his theatrical outbursts. Ordinarily, we would not respond, but we recognize that silence might be misinterpreted.”
He continued, “However, we remain calm, knowing that Nigerians are well acquainted with his antics, a lingering symptom of the bitterness he harbours from his defeat to the Wazirin Adamawa at the 2022 party presidential primaries. Wike’s comments are nothing more than a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances. If he truly believes Nigerians are content with the current state of affairs under the government he serves, it reveals a deeper truth: his priorities lie not with the people but with himself. This self-absorption is evident in his preoccupation with domestic affairs in Rivers rather than his ministerial responsibilities.”
Ibe added, “While he may seek to divert attention with his baseless rants, we remain focused on the genuine issues affecting Nigerians. It is clear that Mr. Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges faced by the nation. In contrast, our commitment remains unwavering, centred on the welfare and progress of the people. Wike appears to delight in conjuring fantasies, indulging in his imagination, and paying for live TV coverage to launch tirades against whomever he pleases. However, we shall not descend into the gutters where he feels at home. Instead, we prefer to rise above, maintaining our dignity while others revel in the mud.”
