Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the former Rivers State governor understands that his political actions could attract retaliation from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Olayinka made the remarks on Friday, September 4, while appearing on Arise Television’s The Morning Show.
According to him, Wike is aware that his political relationships with Atiku and Obi have deteriorated significantly and does not expect either politician to become his ally if they emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.
“So what we are saying is that the man knows that he has injured Atiku too much. He has injured Peter Obi too much, and when you injure people politically, you should expect a kind of payback. So he is not deceiving himself into believing that if Atiku becomes president tomorrow, he will now become Atiku’s friend. No, he is not deceiving himself into having that kind of belief,” Olayinka said.
Wike reportedly concerned about 2027
The remarks come after earlier comments by Wike in which he reportedly expressed concern that Atiku and Obi could move against him politically if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election.
Olayinka’s comments have added to the ongoing political debate surrounding Wike’s relationship with opposition figures and the possible consequences of the political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.