2027: Wike risks political payback if Atiku wins – Olayinka

Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has said his principal is conscious that his political actions could make him vulnerable to retaliation if the opposition takes control of the Federal Government after the 2027 election.

Olayinka made the statement during an interview on Arise News, where he discussed Wike’s political calculations and his relationship with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

According to him, Wike is a realist who understands that political alliances can change and that decisions taken by politicians may have consequences when power changes hands.

“One thing you must understand about Wike is that he is a realist. He does not deceive himself. If today government changes, he knows,” Olayinka said.

He argued that Wike’s role in the events surrounding the 2023 presidential election could make him a target if Atiku eventually becomes president.

Olayinka recalled that Wike was among those whose political actions contributed to Atiku’s failure to win the 2023 election, saying the relationship between the two politicians could therefore remain strained.

“He was part of those who were instrumental to Atiku not winning the (2023) election. The same thing Atiku people see Wike as an enemy,” he said.

Olayinka added that Wike would understand the possible consequences if Atiku secured the presidency.

“We did not allow Atiku to win the election. If Atiku could become president today, he (Wike) is automatically a target. He knows,” he said.

The Wike aide said politicians should not expect those they have opposed or politically harmed to automatically become allies when circumstances change.

“And when you injure people politically, you should expect a kind of a payback,” Olayinka said.

He maintained that Wike was not under any illusion that an Atiku presidency would automatically translate into reconciliation between them.

“So it is not deceiving himself to believe that if Atiku becomes president tomorrow, he will become Atiku’s friend. No,” he added.

Olayinka said Wike’s understanding of the potential consequences of a change in government was part of the political reality surrounding his current alliances and decisions.