Wike Accuses Atiku, Tambuwal of Secret PDP Power Deal

By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal of betrayal and backroom political deals during the 2022 presidential primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Wike alleged that Tambuwal had struck a secret deal to become Senate President if Atiku won the 2023 presidential election.

According to Wike, Tambuwal’s last-minute withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsement of Atiku was not based on principle, but on personal ambition.

Wike, who finished second in the primaries, said Tambuwal’s action was a “pre-arranged script” and that other aspirants were denied a fair process.

He also accused Atiku of consistently switching parties and undermining internal democracy, citing his repeated departures and returns to the PDP.

The FCT Minister claimed he played a key role in defending Tambuwal’s 2019 governorship mandate, funding his legal team and mobilising political support, only to be betrayed later. “I was the one who stood by him — legally, politically — and yet he turned against me,” Wike said.

He described both Atiku and Tambuwal as “consistently inconsistent” politicians, insisting they could not be trusted with leadership.

Wike reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and dismissed claims that the PDP loss in 2023 was solely the party’s failure, stating: “I was the main person who ensured Atiku did not win — and I have no regrets.”