Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a leading contender in the country’s 2027 presidential election, describing him as a “voodoo economist.”
Wike made the remarks in Abuja while reacting to Atiku’s recent position on Nigeria’s fuel subsidy policy.
Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said he would not remove the fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027. He argued that the subsidy system had been affected by fraud and called on the Nigerian government to disclose how much money had been generated since the subsidy was removed and how the funds had been spent.
Wike challenged Atiku’s position, pointing to what he described as a contradiction between his current stance and his earlier position on subsidy removal.
“I disagree that Atiku is one of the leading presidential candidates,” Wike said, insisting that President Bola Tinubu remains the leading candidate.
The FCT minister also questioned the strength of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 election, arguing that there is currently no opposition force capable of taking power from the ruling government.
Wike said Atiku would say anything necessary to become president and accused him of changing his position on fuel subsidy.
He recalled that Atiku had been prepared to remove the subsidy in 2022, while now saying he would retain it if elected in 2027.
The exchange highlights the growing political contest over Nigeria’s economic direction as parties and presidential aspirants position themselves ahead of the 2027 election.
Fuel subsidy policy remains one of the major economic and political issues in Nigeria, with opposing views over its impact on government finances, citizens and the wider economy.
Wike’s latest comments are expected to add to the political debate surrounding Atiku, Tinubu and other potential contenders as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 presidential contest.
