A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over comments suggesting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will not become Nigeria’s president in 2027.
Eze was reacting to Wike’s reported claim that he has the political structure to ensure the ADC presidential candidate’s ambition fails in the next general election.
In a statement released to the media, the ADC stalwart described the remarks as undemocratic, arrogant and unfortunate, insisting that no individual has the power to determine who becomes Nigeria’s president in a democratic system.
According to him, Nigerians deserve to know whether Wike’s so-called political structure is based on the support of the people or on the alleged use of state institutions and political influence.
“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 said.
He argued that the economic hardship, insecurity and rising cost of living have changed the political mindset of many Nigerians, adding that citizens are becoming more determined to decide the country’s future through the ballot box.
Eze also maintained that political influence is temporary, warning that no politician should assume they have permanent control over Nigeria’s political landscape.
He urged public office holders to focus on addressing the nation’s challenges rather than engaging in early political battles ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the next presidential election will be decided by Nigerians based on competence, credibility and leadership qualities—not threats or political intimidation.
“Nobody owns Nigeria. Nobody has the monopoly of political relevance. The sovereign will of Nigerians remains supreme and will ultimately prevail over every scheme, every structure and every attempt to undermine the democratic choice of the people. The 2027 election will be decided by Nigerians and Nigerians alone,” Eze added.
He expressed confidence that the ADC remains a strong platform capable of providing Nigerians with an alternative ahead of the 2027 general election.
