Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is a “serial contestant and loser,” noting that he believes the opposition figure will still contest the presidency in 2031.
Wike spoke on Thursday while responding to Abubakar’s criticism of the current administration, in which the former vice-president said the government had not delivered meaningful progress for Nigerians.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects in Abuja, the minister said developments across the capital city contradict such claims, adding that the FCT is undergoing visible transformation.
“Atiku is a serial failure. He is a serial contestant and loser, and I am sure that in 2031, he will still contest,” Wike said.
“Nigerians would be laughing at such a person making that kind of statement that nothing positive has been done.”
Wike challenged Abubakar to compare the current state of the FCT with what obtained during his time in public office, insisting that the difference is evident.
He maintained that governance must continue despite political distractions, adding that ongoing projects would not be affected by the election season.
“The election will come, but people must work. Contractors are not part of the election,” he said.
Wike also dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the FCT administration attempted to frustrate its convention by targeting the Rainbow Event Centre.
The minister said he was unaware of any such venue and denied any interference in the party’s activities, urging those making the claims to provide evidence.
