Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the opposition is “dead” ahead of the 2027 elections, taking aim at former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Wike faulted Atiku’s stance on fuel subsidy, describing his economic proposals as inconsistent and lacking coherence. He argued that such contradictions expose weaknesses in the opposition’s policy framework and undermine its credibility in offering Nigerians a viable alternative.
The FCT Minister’s remarks add to the growing political tension as parties position themselves for the 2027 polls, with fuel subsidy and economic reforms emerging as central issues in the national debate.
Wike spoke on Thursday during an inspection tour of infrastructure projects in the FCT.
He faulted Atiku’s recent criticism of the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly his position on fuel subsidy, arguing that the former Vice President had taken different positions on the issue at different times.
Wike said leadership required consistency, accusing Atiku of changing his position in pursuit of political power.
“Leadership is about integrity and consistency,” Wike said.
“For Atiku, who is confused, who acts like a voodoo economist, Atiku will say anything just to be president. This was a man in 2023 who said he was going to remove the fuel subsidy because it was a fraud. Now in 2026, he was not going to remove the fuel subsidy.”
Atiku, during an interview conducted in Hausa on Wednesday, criticised the economic policies of the present administration.
He also said he would not seek another presidential term if he lost the 2027 election, having contested the presidency several times.
The former Vice President urged Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards to participate in the 2027 election and remain at polling units to ensure their votes were counted. NigerianEconomic Reports
However, Wike argued that the structure of Nigeria’s petroleum industry had changed significantly since 2023, making a return to the former subsidy regime difficult.
He cited the Petroleum Industry Act and the commercialisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
“If Atiku should be fair, today, under the Petroleum Industry Act, NNPC has been fully commercialised,” Wike said.
“It’s now a limited liability company. It’s no longer the sole importer or producer of fuel. Is he going to give fuel subsidy in the Dangote Refinery, the fuel produced by Dangote Refinery? It’s not going to be possible.”
Wike said Atiku could have argued that the subsidy removal should be maintained while proposing how savings from the policy could be deployed, rather than changing his position.
“All I thought he would have argued is, ‘Yes, I still believe in the removal of fuel subsidy, and I think that the savings made would have been utilised in this way or that way,’” he said.
The FCT minister also dismissed the opposition’s chances of defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
He described the opposition as fragmented and lacking a common strategy to dislodge the ruling party.
“I have told people, this will be the easiest election,” Wike said.
He added that the opposition in 2023 was stronger than what currently exists.
“Opposition is not merely because parties have presented their candidates. No opposition is united to say, ‘Really, we want to remove this government in power.’”
Wike said the 2027 election would therefore be easier for the APC because, in his assessment, the opposition lacked the unity and direction required to challenge the ruling party.
The minister also defended the Tinubu administration’s policies, saying ongoing road construction, community development and security interventions in the FCT demonstrated its commitment to delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda.
