The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has claimed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and others left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because they failed in their attempt to hijack the party’s leadership.
Wike made the statement during a media chat with journalists on Thursday, where he criticised the recent political coalition involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), formed by Atiku, Mark, and other opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Wike, David Mark had lobbied to become PDP National Chairman but was rejected, prompting him and his allies to leave for the ADC.
“They left because they couldn’t control the PDP,” Wike said. “Nigerians need to be careful with this group of politicians who are angry simply because they lost power.”
He described the new coalition as a gathering of frustrated politicians, accusing them of trying to deceive Nigerians once again.
“For how long will Nigerians keep listening to these people? Everybody knows them. They’re not forming a coalition for the people — it’s about power,” he added.
Wike, a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, said the opposition had weakened itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The opposition has decimated itself,” he said.
Recently, Atiku, David Mark, and others announced their decision to join forces under the ADC platform in a bid to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next presidential election.
Their defection has sparked political reactions across the country, especially within the PDP, where internal divisions continue to deepen.