Wike’s Aide Mocks Atiku Over Buhari Visit

Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown a jab at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming that any opposition movement led by the former PDP presidential candidate is doomed from the start.

Olayinka alleged that Atiku would not hesitate to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu offered him a 2027 presidential ticket.

His comments followed Atiku’s recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, which has set off a wave of political speculation. Atiku, accompanied by former governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Gabriel Suswam (Benue), met with Buhari on Friday. Atiku later described the visit as a mere Sallah homage.

But Olayinka wasn’t buying it. In a sarcastic swipe on Facebook, he dismissed Atiku’s explanation, implying it was part of a larger political game plan. He even mocked Atiku for not paying a similar courtesy to former President Olusegun Obasanjo during recent celebrations in Abeokuta.

“Those of us who have sense know that any opposition being led by Atiku is a failure from the beginning,” Olayinka wrote. “The reason is simple: if tomorrow President Tinubu calls Atiku and says, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll hand over to you in 2027—just join APC,’ he (Atiku) would jump ship immediately.”

Olayinka didn’t stop there.

“I’m still waiting for Atiku to carry himself to Abeokuta and pay Lisabi Day homage to Obasanjo. Also, we’re celebrating Egungun Festival in my hometown next month. He should remember to come and pay homage in Okemesi Ekiti too,” he added mockingly.

Olayinka’s pointed remarks have only added fuel to the political chatter, as attention gradually shifts to the 2027 general elections and the battle lines begin to form.