In a fresh twist to the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s camp has once again taken aim at Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The latest salvo comes in response to a letter sent by the PDP to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), formally announcing the postponement of the party’s South-South zonal congress.
Initially scheduled as part of a nationwide series of congresses to elect new zonal executive committee members and national officers, the South-South event is now set for rescheduling. The letter, signed by the embattled PDP acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, and the factional national secretary, Udeh Okoye, has reignited tensions within the party’s fractured leadership.
Atiku’s Camp Alleges Wike’s Role in PDP Crisis
Paul Ibe, media adviser to Atiku Abubakar, took to social media on Wednesday, February 26, to directly accuse Wike and his allies of sabotaging the PDP. In a post shared via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Ibe claimed that Wike was actively working against the party’s interests, allegedly serving as a pawn for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Attaching a copy of the PDP’s letter to INEC, Ibe wrote:
“It is no longer news that Wike is engaged in anti-party activities. He has become a willing tool for Bola Tinubu’s APC, intent on dismantling the PDP and other opposition forces. This letter from PDP to INEC confirms that Wike and his allies are acting against the party’s directives regarding the South-South zonal congress. Their actions are a calculated attempt to sow discord and serve the interests of their political benefactors.”
Wike: ‘I Have Done Nothing Wrong’
Despite mounting criticism, Wike has remained defiant. In a post-election interview, he boldly declared that no one within the PDP had the authority to suspend him. The party, already plagued by deep internal divisions, has effectively split into two warring factions—one aligned with Atiku and the other backing Wike. The battle for supremacy has triggered a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions among party leaders throughout 2024.
The ongoing struggle has pitted Wike against key PDP figures, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Atiku himself. Sources within the party indicate that power plays over the party’s structure and future direction are fueling the persistent infighting.
2027 Political Calculations Intensify
Amid the turmoil, reports have surfaced that five PDP governors are pressuring Atiku to abandon his 2027 presidential ambition and instead support a potential ticket featuring former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Labour Party’s Peter Obi as a formidable alternative to Tinubu.
Meanwhile, fresh revelations have emerged regarding Wike’s backing of Tinubu during the 2023 election. Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, former PDP National Legal Adviser Mark Jacob accused Wike and other unnamed figures of undermining the party for personal gain.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
