In Abuja, Lere Olayinka, an aide to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to give up his 2027 presidential ambitions. According to Olayinka, Atiku, who was the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 election, is not destined to lead Nigeria. He argues that Atiku’s repeated runs for office, paired with his history of alleged betrayals within the PDP, show that Atiku should not pursue another presidential bid.
Olayinka’s statement highlighted that Atiku’s ambition has been consistently marred by what he described as “consequences of his past actions.” He believes the PDP’s presidential ticket should not be “wasted” on Atiku, who he claims has damaged the party’s unity by his previous actions. Olayinka emphasized that the party needs a candidate who would strengthen its core values, rather than one who, in his view, prioritizes personal ambition.
Minister Wike previously made a similar statement, indicating that the PDP would not offer Atiku another chance to run in 2027. Wike’s comments followed Atiku’s defeat of both Wike and Aminu Tambuwal, the former governor of Sokoto, in past primary elections. Atiku’s media aide, Phrank Shaibu, defended Atiku by reminding the public of his previous victories in securing the party’s ticket.
Olayinka, however, criticized Atiku’s celebrations over narrow victories, comparing them to “Arsenal fans celebrating a narrow win.” He argued that Atiku’s long history in politics—dating back to his 1993 run in the Social Democratic Party—shows it might be time for him to step aside. He mentioned Atiku’s 2007 bid with the Action Congress while serving as Vice President under the PDP, claiming it demonstrated his “inordinate ambition.”
In closing, Olayinka stated that Atiku’s alleged betrayals would haunt him, suggesting that his 2018 apology to the PDP was not enough to restore full trust. He further warned that the PDP should avoid choosing someone who, he claims, loses elections and leaves Nigeria only to return when another election approaches.
