The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he could not use the party for his personal interest.
Wike, who made the statement on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said Atiku was never a loyal member of the PDP and had a history of leaving and returning whenever it suited him.
“They have never been committed members. Atiku has no choice but to leave because he wanted to use the PDP, but knowing that I’m there, he cannot get that platform,” Wike said.
According to him, Atiku’s exit was inevitable, as he could not tolerate internal resistance to what Wike described as “his selfish agenda.”
“Those are the people who destroyed the party. How many times has he left PDP and returned?” he added.
Wike also took a swipe at other party members he accused of contributing to the PDP’s internal crisis. He mentioned Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, saying he was pleased that Diri had left the party.
“Diri has said he has left PDP and I’m one of the happiest persons today. The same him and Makinde said they will not allow anybody to destroy the PDP and fall into the gutter. Who has entered the gutters today?” Wike asked rhetorically.
The rift between Wike and Atiku dates back to the 2022 PDP presidential primary, where Atiku defeated Wike to clinch the party’s ticket. Since then, both men have been at odds, with Wike accusing Atiku and other PDP leaders of betraying him.
Wike later accepted an appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet as FCT Minister — a move that deepened divisions within the opposition party.
While Atiku has continued to criticise the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, Wike has maintained that his decision to work with Tinubu is in Nigeria’s best interest and not a betrayal of the PDP.
