Wike vs. Atiku: A Political Showdown That Could Reshape Nigeria’s PDP Future

The simmering political feud between Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has escalated once again. Wike has made it abundantly clear that he played a crucial role in Atiku’s previous electoral loss and is determined to ensure history repeats itself.

This power struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is more than just a personal rivalry—it could determine the future of the party and its chances in Nigeria’s next presidential election.

At the heart of the ongoing friction is Atiku’s decision during the 2023 presidential race to pick Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Governor of Delta State, as his running mate over Nyesom Wike.

Atiku defended his choice by stating that a PDP committee recommended three candidates in order of preference:

1. Ifeanyi Okowa

2. Nyesom Wike

3. Udom Emmanuel

He justified his selection, saying:

"I simply chose the number one candidate on the list. I have no regrets about my decision."

However, for Wike and his supporters, this explanation is far from convincing. They believe his exclusion from the ticket was a political miscalculation that contributed to Atiku’s electoral defeat.

Following Atiku’s remarks, Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, wasted no time in issuing a scathing rebuttal.

Olayinka emphasized that even two years after losing the election, Atiku is still trying to justify his controversial decision. He pointed out that Wike holds no regrets about not being chosen as vice-presidential candidate.

However, the most striking statement was Wike’s bold promise:

"I ensured you lost before, and I will ensure you lose again."

This declaration highlights Wike’s influence in Nigerian politics and his determination to block any future presidential ambitions Atiku may have.

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A Rivalry That Dates Back to the PDP Primaries

The friction between these two political heavyweights began long before the 2023 elections. During the PDP’s 2022 presidential primaries, Wike was seen as a top contender, but Atiku ultimately secured the nomination.

Key moments that fueled the rivalry:

• Wike expected to be chosen as Atiku’s running mate, but was overlooked.

• Feeling betrayed, Wike distanced himself from Atiku’s 2023 campaign and was accused of working against the PDP’s presidential bid.

• After Atiku’s loss, Wike took on a federal ministerial role under the current APC-led administration, further straining his ties with PDP loyalists.

These events have deepened the political divide within the PDP, raising questions about whether the party can ever unite under a single leadership.

The Wike-Atiku rift is not just a personal battle—it could determine the electoral fate of the PDP in the coming years. With discussions already heating up about the 2027 presidential election, the party must address its internal divisions if it hopes to remain a serious contender.

Key Challenges for the PDP Moving Forward:

✔ Internal reconciliation: Can the party bring Wike and Atiku back to the same table?
✔ Strategic alliances: Will PDP risk further fragmentation if Wike backs another candidate?
✔ Electoral strength: How will these conflicts impact the party’s ability to compete with the APC?

The PDP must decide whether it wants to mend fences or risk another electoral defeat due to internal discord.

With Wike’s calculated political maneuvering and Atiku’s determined ambition, this power struggle is far from over. As Nigeria gears up for its next major election cycle, the future of the PDP hangs in the balance.

One thing is clear—Wike has drawn the battle lines, and Atiku may need to rethink his political strategy if he hopes to stand a chance in 2027.

Stay tuned as this high-stakes political drama unfolds. Will the PDP find a way to bridge the divide, or will Wike make good on his promise to bury Atiku’s presidential ambitions once again?