2027: I’ll Keep Atiku, Obi Under Pressure, Says Wike

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has vowed to keep pressure on Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, two leading opposition figures challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike supports Tinubu's re-election and claims his role is to make opposition politicians "not feel well all day" by causing them high blood pressure.

The increasingly combative nature of the 2027 contest is highlighted by Atiku and Obi's central roles in building an alternative political platform against the ruling party. Wike questioned the capacity of the opposition to mount a formidable challenge, pointing to internal divisions within the PDP. The rift between Wike and Atiku dates back to the 2022 PDP presidential primary, where Atiku defeated Wike and selected Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

This decision further strained relations, as Wike was Atiku's closest rival in the primary and a prominent contender for the position. Wike's comments come as he openly supports Tinubu and remains at odds with Atiku, while Obi positions himself for another presidential bid in 2027.