The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has openly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark, claiming they had no genuine intentions for the progress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking during his monthly media chat, Wike accused the two senior politicians of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership but failing.
“There is nothing Atiku and co didn’t do to take over the national chairmanship of the PDP, we stood firm and said no it won’t happen,” Wike said.
He noted that after their failed attempt to control the PDP’s national structure—particularly the National Secretary position, which he described as the “lifeline of any party”—they shifted focus toward forming a coalition.
“The issue of secretary came – which is the life wire of any party – when they did not get it – the issue of coalition started.”
Wike also questioned Atiku’s political consistency, referencing his history of switching parties:
“He (Atiku) is from Adamawa, why didn’t his governor join him? Why didn’t Bala join him? We said we won’t allow you to continue playing your old games.
“Atiku was Vice President for eight years, he left in 2002 to AC, left to APC, now to ADC. How can an elder statesman be jumping, what are you going to tell your children?”
He dismissed criticism directed at him over the party’s leadership, insisting he had no role in the election of PDP’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu:
“These people calling my name Wike, am I the one who elected Anyanwu at the National Convention? He was elected during the National Convention.”
Wike didn’t stop there. He went on to label Atiku and his allies as “buccaneers and vampires” who had now exited the party:
“The buccaneers and vampires have left who never meant well for the PDP.”
Highlighting the PDP’s foundation and resilience, Wike concluded:
“Since 1999, PDP has been sustained by South-South and South-East because of the kind of politics here.”
His comments follow the recent defection of several key PDP leaders, including Atiku and Mark, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under a new opposition coalition.