Former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has stated that while he shares a personal friendship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, he would still choose Atiku Abubakar over him when it comes to Nigeria’s leadership.
Tambuwal made the statement during an interview on Politics Today, a political program on Channels TV hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where he addressed his long-standing political relationships and his choices during crucial moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Responding to a question about navigating friendships and political alliances, Tambuwal said:
“Once it’s about the country, it’s never personal. I have never attacked Bola Tinubu or Wike personally. We only disagreed on principle.”
He explained that political decisions must be based on what is best for the country, not on personal relationships.
The former governor, who played a key role during the 2022 PDP presidential primaries by stepping down for Atiku Abubakar, said that even though Wike is a closer personal friend, he believes Atiku is better suited to lead Nigeria.
“If today, Atiku and Wike walk in and both request this phone from me, I will give it to Wike,” Tambuwal said, describing Wike as a personal friend.
“But when it comes to leadership, I’ll support Atiku over Wike — not just today, but even tomorrow.”
Tambuwal’s comments come amid ongoing tensions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where internal divisions and competing ambitions have weakened the opposition’s ability to present a united front.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, had openly disagreed with the PDP leadership after losing the presidential ticket to Atiku in 2022, and has since taken up a ministerial role in the APC-led federal government — a move many see as political betrayal. Tambuwal, however, remains with the PDP and is considered a loyal ally of Atiku.
In the interview, Tambuwal also addressed the perception that he frequently distances himself from allies during critical political moments. He insisted that his decisions are never driven by personal gain or disloyalty, but by what he believes is right for Nigeria.
“When I left PDP for APC during Jonathan’s time, it wasn’t because I had a problem with him personally. We just had differences over how things were going in the country.”
Tambuwal’s remarks have further fueled discussions about loyalty, leadership, and the direction of the PDP as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
With the country still struggling with economic and security challenges, the question of who can offer competent leadership continues to dominate political discourse.
Tambuwal’s message was clear: personal friendship ends where national interest begins.
