Eze Slams Wike Over Plan To Stop Atiku’s 2027 Ambition

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has condemned the recent statement credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Wike had allegedly boasted that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, would never become President of Nigeria in 2027.

He had claimed that he had the political structure to ensure that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag-bearer’s presidential ambition would fail again in 2027.

However, Eze stated that Wike’s statement was arrogant and reflective of a dangerous mindset that seeks to elevate one individual above the collective will of millions of Niglerians.

Naija News reports that he shared his reservations in a statement made available to reporters.

Eze stressed that in a democracy, no single politician, regardless of the position he occupies or perceived influence, possesses the power to determine who becomes President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to Eze, Nigerians should know whether the Minister is referring to a legitimate political structure built on the confidence, goodwill and support of the electorate or a structure allegedly anchored on the “manipulation of state institutions, intimidation of political opponents, deployment of security agencies, abuse of governmental powers, and other anti-democratic practices that have over the years undermined the sanctity of the electoral process”.

“It is important that Wike tells Nigerians what he means by structure. Is it the structure of the people or the structure of power? Is it a structure founded on democratic principles or one built around the intimidation of opponents and the manipulation of institutions? These are questions Nigerians deserve answers to,” Eze stated.

He noted that the hardship, hunger, insecurity, rising cost of living, and economic uncertainty currently confronting Nigerians have fundamentally altered the political consciousness of the electorate, adding that the Nigerian people are increasingly determined to reclaim their country from leaders and political actors whose actions have contributed to the nation’s present challenges.

Eze maintained that the days when a few powerful individuals could sit in secluded political meetings and decide the fate of the nation are rapidly coming to an end.

He argued that the growing political awareness among Nigerians, particularly the youth, will make it increasingly difficult for any politician to impose his personal preferences on the electorate.

The ADC stalwart further reminded that political influence is neither permanent nor absolute, noting that history is replete with examples of individuals who once considered themselves indispensable political forces but eventually discovered that power ultimately belongs to the people

He warned against the dangerous illusion of political invincibility, stressing that no politician remains relevant forever and that the electorate possesses the ultimate authority to reward or reject leaders at the polls.

Eze stated that many Nigerians are still grappling with the consequences of the current administration’s policies and political decisions, which have worsened their economic conditions and diminished their confidence in government.

He argued that, rather than engaging in premature political chest-thumping, public office holders under the Tinubu regime should focus on addressing the numerous challenges facing ordinary citizens across the country.

The ADC stalwart further reminded that political influence is neither permanent nor absolute, noting that history is replete with examples of individuals who once considered themselves indispensable political forces but eventually discovered that power ultimately belongs to the people

He warned against the dangerous illusion of political invincibility, stressing that no politician remains relevant forever and that the electorate possesses the ultimate authority to reward or reject leaders at the polls.