Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying political leaders should first secure an electoral mandate before seeking to implement their preferred policies.
Speaking during an interview on TVC on July 9, 2026, Wike argued that democratic governance is based on the mandate given by voters. He said anyone seeking to introduce a different agenda should first convince Nigerians at the ballot box and win the presidency.
Addressing Atiku directly, Wike questioned why he was advocating policies without first obtaining the authority to implement them through an election.
“Why not hold on? You said you will be elected as President. When you become President, if ever it will come, then you introduce those things you want,” Wike said.
The minister maintained that elected leaders derive their authority from the people and should be the ones responsible for implementing their policy agenda after receiving a democratic mandate.
