The political rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar launched a fresh attack on Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
At the center of the controversy is a letter from the PDP to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the alleged postponement of the party’s South-South zonal congress. Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media adviser, took to social media to criticize Wike, accusing him of working against the party’s interests.
Sharing the letter on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, February 26, Ibe wrote:
“It is no longer news that Wike is engaging in anti-party activities. He has become a willing tool in the hands of Bola Tinubu’s APC administration to weaken the @OfficialPDPNig and other opposition parties. This letter from the PDP to @inecnigeria confirms that Wike and his allies are acting against the party’s interests regarding the South-South zonal congress. It is a calculated move to create chaos and serve his political paymaster.”
Despite the mounting criticism, Wike has maintained his stance, insisting he has done nothing wrong. Following the 2023 general elections, he boldly declared that no one within the PDP could suspend him from the party.
The PDP has been grappling with internal divisions, with two major factions emerging—one loyal to Wike and the other aligned with Atiku. The ongoing power struggle has led to suspensions and counter-suspensions among top party officials, intensifying the crisis.
Why Wike Backed Tinubu? Ex-PDP Legal Adviser Weighs In
Meanwhile, former PDP national legal adviser Mark Jacob has shed light on Wike’s controversial support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections. Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, Jacob claimed that Wike and some unnamed allies deliberately worked against the PDP for “selfish interests.”
As the battle for control of the party structure rages on, the infighting threatens to further weaken the PDP ahead of future elections.
