Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accusing him of playing politics “with the suffering of Nigerians.” This exchange followed Wike’s remarks in Port Harcourt on Saturday, where he described Atiku as a rejected politician. Wike’s comment was a response to Atiku’s statement after the local government elections in Rivers State, where Atiku praised the people of Rivers for rejecting political oppression and godfatherism.

Wike, in a jab at Atiku, said: “If you say for an election we did not contest, never participated in, that it shows Nigerians have rejected us, fine. You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, so pack up and go home.” Responding through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku dismissed Wike’s comments as “a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances.” He added that Wike’s remarks reveal a self-centered approach, as the minister seems more focused on local affairs in Rivers than on his ministerial responsibilities.

Atiku further stated that “Mr. Wike appears more interested in personal gain than in addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation,” contrasting this with his own commitment to the welfare and progress of Nigerians. He criticized Wike’s frequent outbursts, describing them as “theatrical” and a lingering symptom of Wike’s bitterness from losing the 2022 PDP presidential primaries to Atiku.

In his closing remarks, Atiku emphasized that while Wike revels in launching attacks, he prefers to “rise above the mud,” maintaining his dignity and focus on national issues.