Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has categorically stated that Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, stands no chance of running for president under the party’s platform in 2027.

Speaking during a live media parley on Wednesday evening in Abuja, Wike emphasized that Atiku’s repeated attempts to win the presidency had been firmly rejected by Nigerians.

“Did he [Atiku] not present his blueprint before Nigerians? Did Nigerians choose him?” Wike questioned. “He is lobbying for another chance. The chance will not be there. In which party? How can we use one man for how many years?”

Atiku recently claimed that had he won the 2023 election, he would have implemented policies vastly different from those of President Bola Tinubu, suggesting that Nigerians would not have been subjected to the current economic hardship.

Wike, however, dismissed these assertions, arguing that Nigerians had already evaluated and rejected Atiku’s proposals.

“You presented your blueprint in 2023; Nigerians heard you clearly and said, ‘Thank you, but it will not work. We will not support you,’” Wike said. “Criticisms do not mean the opposition is working. Nigerians made their decision, and it wasn’t in favor of him.”

Drawing a parallel with American politics, Wike added, “Look at America. Many of you did not support Trump, calling him a racist, yet Americans thought differently and made decisions for the good of their country. Nigerians have similarly made their decision regarding Atiku.”

Wike’s remarks suggest a deepening divide within the PDP as discussions over the 2027 elections begin to surface.