Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reignited political tension with a scathing swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his endless defection between parties. Speaking during an interview on Monday, August 5, 2025, Wike said if he were Atiku’s son, he would confront him over his serial political realignments.
Wike, a former Rivers State Governor and prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before his alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, said Atiku’s lack of consistency has been detrimental to the PDP’s credibility and long-term prospects. “He moves from PDP to APC, back to PDP, then forms another party when it doesn’t go his way. If I were his son, I’d genuinely ask him — why?” Wike stated.
The minister also took a jab at Atiku’s repeated presidential bids, claiming that a man who cannot settle within one political structure cannot effectively lead a nation. “Politics should be built on principle and loyalty, not constant convenience. Nigeria needs focused leadership, not trial-and-error ambition,” Wike said during the televised interview.
His comments come amid renewed speculation over potential PDP restructuring ahead of the 2027 elections. While Atiku has not officially declared his intentions, insiders say he is quietly working behind the scenes to mount what could be his sixth presidential campaign — a move that’s stirring dissent among party stakeholders.
Wike emphasized that loyalty and political discipline are what Nigeria’s democracy currently lacks. He described Atiku’s political trajectory as a “zigzag path of desperation” that young politicians should avoid emulating. “This is not about bitterness. It’s about the image we project to the younger generation. Party hopping is not leadership,” he said.
The FCT minister, now a prominent figure in the APC-led federal administration, also hinted that he may remain in the ruling party beyond 2027 if PDP fails to demonstrate seriousness in internal reform. He said political loyalty must now be rewarded with purpose and responsibility, not betrayal and self-centeredness.
Wike’s remarks are expected to further widen the rift between the G-5 faction of PDP governors — of which he is a vocal member — and Atiku’s camp. With power blocks already jostling ahead of 2027, analysts say this latest salvo could mark the beginning of another stormy electoral buildup.
