According to a report by The Sun, on Friday April 17, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that there is no place for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential race.
He made this statement while inspecting ongoing road projects in Kuje Area Council. Wike said Atiku should forget about contesting in 2027 and instead wait until 2031 and noted that by then, Atiku would be 82 years old, adding that it could be a better time if he still wishes to run.
Wike referred to Atiku’s past comments about the 2027 election and suggested that even though Atiku had earlier hinted that the next election might be his last attempt, there was no political space for him at the moment.
The minister went further to criticise Atiku for frequently attacking the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu, Wike argued that the present government has performed better than when Atiku held public office, he said such constant criticism was not helpful and did not reflect the current realities.
During the same event, Wike addressed allegations linking him to the revocation of the licence of the Rainbow Event Centre, the venue had hosted the national convention of the African Democratic Congress earlier in February 2026.
He denied any involvement in the issue and explained that he had already ordered an investigation into the claims, according to him, his Chief of Staff has been directed to find out if any official acted without approval.
“There is no space for him in 2027. He can wait till 2031. By then he will be 82. Even though he has said this is his last time, we will encourage him to run then,” Wike said.
