Wike Calls Tambuwal, Atiku Betrayers on National TV

In a fresh round of political verbal attacks that has once again put the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the spotlight, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing criticism against former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar. Speaking on the popular Channels Television programme, “Politics Today,” Wike labeled both men “consistently inconsistent” and “betrayers,” reigniting a long-simmering feud that has its roots in the events leading up to the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.

Wike’s outburst was a direct response to a previous comment by Tambuwal, who had publicly stated that while Wike was his friend, he did not trust him with leadership. In his trademark combative style, Wike did not hold back. “I have never come out on national television to talk about Aminu Tambuwal, but this is an opportunity to talk about him. When you talk about leadership and friendship, you can’t talk about leadership and you don’t talk about the person,” he declared. The FCT Minister’s comments are a painful reminder of the political drama that unfolded at the 2022 PDP presidential primary. At that crucial moment, Tambuwal, a presidential aspirant himself, withdrew from the race and directed his delegates to vote for Atiku Abubakar. This last-minute maneuver, which ultimately led to Atiku’s victory, was widely viewed as a betrayal by the Wike camp, who felt the primary was rigged against them. It is this specific event that Wike now references when he states that Tambuwal and Atiku are “birds of the same feather.”

The feud between Wike and Atiku is a well-documented chapter in Nigeria’s recent political history. Dependable NG confirms that after Atiku’s primary victory, he chose Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate, a decision that further alienated Wike. This snub, combined with the party’s refusal to heed Wike’s demand for the resignation of the then-PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, led Wike and his allies to form the G5 governors, also known as the Integrity Group. The G5, comprised of the governors of Rivers, Benue, Enugu, Oyo, and Abia states, withdrew their support for Atiku in the 2023 presidential election. The group’s stance, which they maintained was based on principles of equity and fairness, ultimately contributed to the PDP’s loss in the presidential polls. Wike’s latest comments serve as a clear indication that the wounds from that pre-election crisis have not healed, and the factionalism within the PDP remains a potent force.

The public war of words also holds significant political implications for the future. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Wike’s comments suggest that the PDP is still grappling with internal divisions and a lack of party cohesion. Despite his current position as a minister in the APC-led government, Wike remains a powerful and influential figure in the Nigerian political landscape. His willingness to openly attack his former party members on a national platform demonstrates his continued relevance and his political strategy of using the media to control the narrative. The public spat between these political heavyweights not only deepens the cracks within the opposition but also provides a stark example of how personal ambition and grudges continue to shape political alignments and decisions in Nigeria. As the verbal attacks continue, the nation watches to see whether the PDP can find a way to resolve its internal issues or if it is doomed to repeat the mistakes that cost it the presidency in the previous election cycle.