“I Won’t Engage in Mud-Slinging” — Atiku Responds to Wike

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has addressed the recent comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Wike claimed that Nigerians have rejected Atiku, urging him to leave the political arena.

In response, Atiku stated that he will not “descend into the gutters” to engage in a verbal exchange with Wike.

Wike had remarked, “I hear Atiku Abubakar said that Nigerians have rejected us in Rivers State. You, who have contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you; therefore, go back home.”

Through his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed that Wike and his associates are politicizing the struggles of Nigerians.

In a statement signed by Ibe, he said, “Our attention has been drawn to the recent remarks made by Mr. Nyesom Wike, which can only be described as another of his theatrical outbursts. Ordinarily, we would not respond, but we recognize that silence might be misinterpreted.

“However, we remain calm, knowing that Nigerians are well acquainted with his antics, a lingering symptom of the bitterness he harbors from his defeat to the Wazirin Adamawa at the 2022 party presidential primaries.

“Wike’s comments are nothing more than a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances. If he truly believes Nigerians are content with the current state of affairs under the government he serves, it reveals a deeper truth: his priorities lie not with the people but with himself. This self-absorption is evident in his preoccupation with domestic affairs in Rivers rather than his ministerial responsibilities.

“While he may seek to divert attention with his baseless rants, we remain focused on the genuine issues affecting Nigerians. It is clear that Mr. Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges faced by the nation. In contrast, our commitment remains unwavering, centered on the welfare and progress of the people.

“Wike appears to delight in conjuring fantasies, indulging in his imagination, and paying for live TV coverage to launch tirades against whomever he pleases. However, we shall not descend into the gutters where he feels at home. Instead, we prefer to rise above, maintaining our dignity while others revel in the mud.”