The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has lost relevance in politics.
PUNCH Online reports that Atiku, a former Vice President, had commended the resilient people of Rivers State for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that the election unfolded with peace and integrity.
In a statement on his X account, Atiku also lauded the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his unwavering commitment to the interests of the people, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges.
He had said, “With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the state.
“From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing is greater than democracy.
“As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.”
However, reacting to Atiku’s statement during a luncheon in honour of the 10th Rivers State Assembly on Saturday, Wike claimed that Atiku had lost elections so many times.
The former Rivers governor asserted that Atiku had been rejected by Nigerians, having contested the presidential elections in 2019 and 2023 and lost.
He said, “We never contested the local government elections. Did we contest? Did we pick forms? I hear Atiku Abubakar say, ‘Oh, they have rejected me in Rivers State.’ Okay, assuming, though not conceding, that he has lost many times, Nigerians have also rejected him.
“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.”