‘There Is No Democracy in Nigeria If Atiku, Peter Obi Don’t Participate in Elections’ — Wike

• FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says Nigeria’s democracy should not be defined by the participation of Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the notion that Nigeria’s democracy depends solely on the participation of opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

Speaking during an interview, Wike argued that many Nigerians have reduced democracy to whether certain political leaders are on the ballot, insisting that such a mindset weakens the country’s democratic process.

According to him, democracy should not be judged by the participation of specific individuals.

“Democracy now for us in Nigeria has been defined by who participates. If Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi don’t participate, then people say there is no democracy. That is the level we have taken ourselves to,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor also addressed the challenges facing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying rebuilding the opposition party into a winning force would require time and effort.

Wike noted that reclaiming power at the national level cannot happen without first strengthening the party’s structures across states, local governments and wards.

“PDP had a problem. It is not easy to put yourself back to win a presidential election. Build the party, see what you can do at the state level, put the pieces together, then prepare,” he added.

Responding to past allegations that he was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike dismissed the claims, saying many of those who accused him are no longer politically relevant.

“Was I not the one that was accused of being an agent of APC? Those who were accusing me, where are they today? But I’m still here,” he said.

Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the future of the PDP and the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.