Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has openly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark, accusing them of never having the party’s best interests at heart and seeking to hijack the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike blamed their actions for the recent defections of prominent PDP members to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition.
In a recent statement, Wike alleged that Atiku and Mark orchestrated moves to weaken the PDP from within by fostering divisions and leadership crises, which culminated in their resignations and alignment with the ADC coalition aiming to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 elections.
Wike described their departure as a betrayal, asserting that their ambitions and personal interests superseded loyalty to the PDP and the Nigerian people. He warned that such factionalism threatens the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
Despite the defections, PDP leadership remains confident that Atiku, Mark, and other defectors will eventually return, viewing their exit as a political miscalculation. The party continues to appeal for unity and is working to reconcile internal differences ahead of the 2027 polls.
Wike’s comments underscore the deepening rift within the PDP, which has been grappling with internal power struggles between his faction and supporters of Atiku. The discord has intensified since the 2023 elections, with Wike’s acceptance of a ministerial position in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) further complicating party dynamics.
The ongoing battle for control and influence within the PDP highlights challenges the party faces in presenting a united front against the ruling government in upcoming elections.