FCT Minister Accuses Former Vice President of Deception Amidst Internal PDP Crisis
Abuja, Nigeria – The long-standing political rivalry between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has escalated once again. Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, accused Atiku of dishonesty over the selection process of his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
This latest development adds more tension to an already fractured People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as key figures continue to clash over the party’s leadership and direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike’s Camp Accuses Atiku of Lying Over Running Mate Selection
The controversy stems from Atiku’s claim that he picked former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate based on the recommendation of a PDP committee assigned to oversee the selection process. However, Wike’s camp insists this is untrue, alleging that Atiku disregarded the committee’s findings and acted based on personal preference.
Olayinka, in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, stated:
“The report of the committee was released to set the records straight, and this has made Atiku and his team confess that, in selecting his running mate, he did not follow the report of the committee set up by the PDP. He simply picked who he wanted, not who the party recommended.”
Wike’s aide further lambasted Atiku for attempting to justify his decision with what he described as a “series of lies.” He pointed out that Atiku’s media office admitted that the selection process was solely at the discretion of the presidential candidate, effectively contradicting Atiku’s earlier statements.
“By saying that ‘there were no laid-down rules or laws on the selection process of a running mate… the final decision rests solely with the presidential candidate,’ Atiku’s Media Office has confirmed that their principal lied and never had any regard for the PDP as a party.”
Wike’s Political Strategy and PDP’s Internal Struggles
Wike’s camp insists that he was never desperate to become Atiku’s running mate, citing concerns over Atiku’s political baggage. According to Olayinka, Wike has no regrets over his decisions, just as Atiku should take responsibility for the consequences of his choices.
“Atiku, the loser in the election, said he has no regrets over the choice he made, and Wike too has no regrets over his choice. No one is harboring ill feelings against Atiku for failing, and no one should harbor ill feelings against Wike for succeeding,” Olayinka added.
This latest outburst is indicative of the deep cracks within the PDP, a party still struggling to find cohesion after its 2023 electoral defeat. The battle for control is heating up, with Wike’s camp questioning Atiku’s commitment to the PDP, especially given his history of defecting to other parties when it suits his political ambitions.
“It is necessary for Atiku to first come clear as to which party he belongs to now, because PDP has not formed a coalition with any political party. His penchant for seeking to contest the presidential election under any available party has remained PDP’s major albatross.”
Political Reactions and What’s Next for PDP
The ongoing Wike-Atiku feud has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape. Analysts believe that the internal conflicts within the PDP could severely weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
Supporters of Atiku have dismissed Wike’s allegations as an attempt to undermine the former vice president’s influence within the party. PDP insiders, however, warn that if the rift is not resolved soon, it could lead to further defections and instability ahead of the next general election.
While Atiku has yet to respond directly to Wike’s latest attack, his media team continues to emphasize that his choice of running mate was a strategic decision based on political calculations, not party pressure.
As the PDP navigates this internal crisis, the question remains: Can the party reconcile its warring factions, or will these divisions pave the way for another electoral loss? For now, the battle lines are drawn, and the fight for dominance within the PDP is far from over.
