Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against running for the presidency in 2027.
Olayinka warned that 2027 would be Atiku's seventh failed attempt if he contests the presidency.
Posting on his Facebook page, the minister's spokesman charged Atiku to stop lying to himself after six previous failed attempts at the presidency.
Olayinka wrote: “Six unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, he won't still stop lying despite his age.
“2027 will definitely be his seventh failed attempt.”
This comes as the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate declared uncertainty about vying for the presidency in 2027.
In an interview with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie of Untold Stories, Atiku said: “I don't know because there has to be, first of all, a viable platform, more than any other time in the political history of this country, particularly since the return of democracy.”
Atiku, however, did not rule out the possibility of still running for the presidency in 2027, saying Nigeria needs a good leader.
“I have not seen Nigeria in dire need of, you know, an experienced and credible leadership than this time,” he said.
Atiku's remarks come a few days after forming a coalition with some opposition leaders with the aim of ousting President Bola Tinubu from power in 2027.
Meanwhile, Olayinka has warned Atiku that Wike would ensure he loses the presidency in 2027 if he decides to run.
Olayinka noted that Wike has no regret that Atiku ignored him and picked former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate in 2023.
