Wike calls Atiku ‘Voodoo Economist’ as he dismisses the ADC candidate’s 2027 prospects and questions his position on fuel subsidy removal
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, described African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar as a “voodoo economist” in Abuja on Thursday, August 20, 2026, while dismissing his chances of emerging as a leading contender in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
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Wike made the remarks while responding to Atiku’s recent position on fuel subsidy removal, in which the former vice-president said he would not scrap the subsidy if elected president.
Atiku, speaking during a Facebook Live session, argued that the subsidy system had been associated with fraud and challenged the Federal Government to disclose how much had been saved since the policy was removed and how the funds had been used.
The former vice-president’s position marks a significant point of discussion ahead of the 2027 election, particularly as political parties and prospective candidates begin to shape their economic messages.
Wike, however, questioned the consistency of Atiku’s position.
“I disagree that Atiku is one of the leading presidential candidates. We have only one leading candidate, and that is Bola Tinubu,” Wike told journalists in Abuja.
The minister then launched a pointed criticism of Atiku’s economic position, accusing the ADC candidate of changing his stance on fuel subsidy for political reasons.
“Atiku, who is a voodoo economist, will say anything just to be president,” Wike said.
Wike also referred to Atiku’s position during the 2022 election cycle, arguing that the former vice-president had previously supported the removal of the fuel subsidy.
“This was a man who was going to remove the fuel subsidy in 2022. Now, in 2026, he is not going to remove the fuel subsidy,” Wike said.
The minister questioned whether Atiku’s latest position amounted to a return to the subsidy arrangement he had previously criticised.
“We should be consistent in what we send to our people,” Wike added.
The exchange comes as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, now running under the ADC platform, is among several opposition figures seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
Wike’s comments also reflect the continuing political tensions surrounding the 2027 contest, with the FCT minister openly backing Tinubu despite his previous disagreements with elements of the ruling political establishment.
Atiku’s criticism of the subsidy policy and Wike’s response highlight one of the central economic questions likely to feature prominently in the next presidential campaign: how Nigeria should manage fuel pricing, public finances and the cost of living.
While Wike remains confident about Tinubu’s prospects, the opposition’s eventual ability to mount a credible challenge will depend on its organisation, candidate selection and ability to present a persuasive alternative to voters.
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For now, the increasingly sharp exchanges suggest that the political battle over Nigeria’s economic direction is already beginning to take shape, well ahead of the 2027 vote.
