“I Will Ensure Your Defeat Once More,” Wike tells Atiku.

Wike Vows to Block Atiku’s Presidential Ambitions Again

The ongoing political feud between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has resurfaced. Wike has declared that he will ensure Atiku does not win the presidency in any future election.

Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike reaffirmed his lack of regret over Atiku’s decision to overlook him as a running mate in the 2023 presidential election. The dispute between the two PDP leaders dates back to the party’s 2022 primaries, where Wike expected to be compensated with the vice-presidential ticket. However, Atiku opted for former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Atiku recently defended his choice in an interview, stating that he had allowed the PDP to decide through a committee, which ranked Okowa as the top choice, with Wike in second place.

Reacting to Atiku’s comments, Olayinka posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Two years after making the PDP lose a presidential election it could have won, Atiku is giving reasons why he didn’t pick Wike as his running mate. Someone should tell him that Wike also has no regret for ensuring his failure—and will make sure he fails again and again.”

The political rift between the two has significantly impacted the PDP, with Wike’s influence reportedly contributing to Atiku’s defeat in 2023. The minister’s latest statement signals that their rivalry remains unresolved, potentially affecting the party’s chances in future elections.

As the 2027 presidential race approaches, political analysts believe the PDP’s ability to mend internal divisions will be crucial in determining its electoral success.