Wike Accuses Atiku of Disloyalty, Celebrates Governor’s Defection
In a dramatic escalation of the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was never a committed member of the party and should exit.
Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, made these explosive remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, asserting his position as a gatekeeper who would prevent Atiku from using the PDP for his political ambitions.
“They have never been committed members. Atiku has no choice but to leave, because he wanted to use the PDP, but knowing that I’m there, he cannot get that platform,” Wike stated emphatically. He questioned Atiku’s loyalty, asking, “Those are people who destroyed the party, how many times has he left PDP and returned?”
In a related development, the Minister expressed open jubilation over the defection of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike recalled that Governor Diri and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had previously vowed to protect the PDP from destruction.
He pointedly mocked the defection, adding, “Diri has said he has left PDP and I’m one of the happiest persons today. The same him and Makinde said they will not allow anybody to destroy the PDP… Who has entered the gutters today?”
