Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that the opposition political parties cannot secure meaningful votes in Rivers State during the 2027 general elections as “undemocratic and an overestimation of political influence”.
Atiku, who presently the Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressed that Wike’s remarks reflect growing unease within the ruling political establishment over the strengthening of opposition alliances ahead of 2027.
The former Vice President specifically declared that the people of Rivers State cannot be reduced to political instruments or electoral assets controlled by any individual, regardless of office or influence.
Atiku, who was responding to Wike’s comments at a political luncheon in Port Harcourt, that the former Vice President and the ADC would struggle to secure up to 10 per cent of votes in the state, pointedly told the FCT Minister that Rivers votes are not his property.
The former Vice President in a statement by on Monday, June 1, 2026 by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, emphasised that the people of Rivers State are not political slaves, but intelligent, independent-minded Nigerians who will make their choices based on the realities confronting them and the future they desire for their children.
Atiku dismissed the claim by Wike that electoral outcomes in Rivers would only favour candidates aligned with his “Rainbow Coalition”, which allegedly brings together elements of the PDP, APC, Labour Party and other groups.
In the words of Atiku; “No individual or political actor has the authority to predetermine how an entire state will vote. That sovereignty ultimately rests with the electorate.
“The focus of Nigerians has shifted toward pressing national challenges such as rising inflation, insecurity, and economic hardship and not political projections made from positions of power.
