By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has attacked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his position on fuel subsidy, describing him as a “voodoo economist” while backing President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
Wike spoke with journalists on Thursday, during an inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja.
He dismissed the opposition’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that rival parties remain too divided to mount a strong challenge against the Tinubu administration.
“They have only one leading candidate, and that’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I have told people this would be the easiest election,” Wike said.
The minister also questioned Atiku’s position on fuel subsidy, recalling the former vice president’s previous criticism of the policy and his stated support for its removal.
“For Atiku, who is confused, who acts like a voodoo economist, Atiku will say anything just to be president,” Wike said.
Wike defended the Tinubu administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, arguing that the changing petroleum market has made a return to subsidy impractical.
He cited the Dangote Refinery and other private-sector refineries as evidence of growing domestic refining capacity.
The minister also said subsidy removal had increased revenue shared among the federal, state and local governments.
According to Wike, the additional revenue has helped governments meet obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, while reducing prolonged industrial disputes.
He urged Nigerians to hold governors and local government leaders accountable for the use of increased federal allocations.
Wike maintained that the opposition would struggle in 2027 unless political parties unite behind a clear alternative to the Tinubu administration.
