Presidency, Wike dismisses Atiku TV interview as ‘disjointed’, ‘unconvincing’

The Presidency and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has leveled harsh criticism at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his recent television interview, describing it as disappointing and lacking substance.

Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the visit failed to demonstrate leadership or a credible alternative vision for Nigeria.

According to him, “What Nigerians are witnessing is not leadership, not vision, and certainly not readiness for office.

“This was a disjointed and self-serving performance marked by contradictions, noise and a lack of substance on matters of national importance.

“At a time when the country is undergoing difficult but necessary economic reforms, Atiku offers no credible alternative.

“When pressed about policy direction, there is no policy whatsoever. There is no framework, no road map—just a rejection of the opposition for its own sake. Strip away the rhetoric, and one thing becomes clear: the only visible agenda is personal ambition.”

Dare further argued that Atiku’s criticism of the ongoing reforms lacked depth and failed to provide meaningful engagement on national issues.

“Criticism without substance is not leadership—it is evasion. And at a time that demands clarity and depth, what Nigerians get is only vagueness and digression.

“Even more telling is his posture. In one fell swoop, he succeeded in alienating nearly every constituency—young people, political allies, and even figures in his broader political history.

“That’s not a message of unity or coalition building; that’s a monologue of grievance. That’s not leadership—that’s isolation,” he said.

The presidential aide added that the interview reflected inconsistencies and an outdated political approach, and emphasized that the country had made progress in ongoing reforms.

“Meanwhile, the country is moving. Reform is underway. The direction—despite the challenges—is clear. Nigerians are seeing results realized, not just recycled promises.

“For many Nigerians, the interview dispelled any lingering doubts. Not only was it inconclusive—it was disqualifying.

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“Atiku Abubakar is not denied his relevance. He is losing his relevance—publicly, persistently, and now clearly,” he said.

Separately, Wike also gave his opinion, criticizing Atiku during an inspection tour of infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

He dismissed the former vice president’s comments on national television, especially claims that the current administration has failed to alleviate existing difficulties.

“At a certain age, a person should be able to look at the facts objectively, he lives in the FCT, let him compare the FCT today with the eight years he was Vice President.

“We have only been in office for less than three years, but the transformation is clear. Nigerians will laugh at anyone who says they are not doing anything,” said Wike.

The minister further questioned Atiku’s credibility, referring to statements previously made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“His own boss, President Obasanjo, openly described him as a failure and questioned his character. Why should I bother answering someone whose principals attached the label of corruption to him?” he said.

Using a sarcastic tone, Wike also doubted Atiku’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election.

“I encourage him to run. It seems like the only way for him to stay relevant. But 2027 is not available for him,” he added.

The FCT minister also responded to accusations by the African Democratic Congress that his administration was trying to derail plans for a national convention by targeting venues in Abuja. He rejected the claims as baseless, and questioned the deadline proposed by the party.

Wike also downplayed the strength of the proposed opposition coalition reportedly involving figures such as Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai, and insisted that it would not pose a serious political threat.

“They say El-Rufai and Obi are there, so the opposition is strong. Watch and see, PDP will still be stronger than ADC.

“In the last FCT election, ADC couldn’t even win a single councillor. How do they intend to win this country?” he said.

He concluded by advising opposition parties to prioritize resolving their internal challenges rather than focusing on criticizing the government.