Nyesom Wike Challenges Atiku, Tambuwal’s Political Integrity

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sharply criticized former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing both men of political inconsistency and betrayal. Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme on Thursday, Wike argued that leadership should not be separated from loyalty to individuals.

“What do you mean by leadership and friendship? You cannot talk about leadership and ignore the person,” Wike said. He went on to describe Tambuwal and Atiku as men who had “been consistently inconsistent,” stressing that betrayal had become a defining trait in their political dealings.

Nyesom Wike alleged that Tambuwal had been motivated by the promise of a Senate role if Atiku had emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election. He further accused both men of repeatedly switching political platforms in pursuit of personal advantage.

Tambuwal Defends Loyalty to Atiku ahead of Nyesom Wike

Earlier this month, Tambuwal appeared on the same programme and openly declared his preference for Atiku Abubakar over Nyesom Wike. According to him, leadership decisions should be based on values and governance principles, not friendships.

“When it comes to leadership of this country and leadership of the people, I would rather support Atiku than Nyesom Wike,” Tambuwal stated. He added that his political disagreements, whether with former President Goodluck Jonathan or others, were grounded in ideology and direction, not personal hostility.

Tambuwal also maintained that despite sharp political differences, personal relationships could be preserved. “If Atiku comes in here and Wike requests my phone, I will give it to him as a personal friend,” he said, underscoring the need to separate politics from personal ties.

Rift Rooted in PDP Zoning Disputes

The ongoing discord between Wike and other prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) traces back to the build-up to the 2023 elections. Wike had strongly opposed Atiku, Tambuwal, and Bukola Saraki, accusing them of undermining the party’s zoning principle, which, he argued, should have favored a southern candidate.

Wike reminded viewers that he once supported Tambuwal’s successful bid for Speaker of the House of Representatives, even against his party’s preference. In his view, that loyalty was never reciprocated.

The sharp exchanges between Wike and Tambuwal underline the long-running factional divisions within the PDP. While Tambuwal insists his choices are driven by principle, Wike maintains they are rooted in self-interest and betrayal.