The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken another swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of lacking genuine commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike claimed that Atiku’s history of leaving and rejoining the PDP proves he has never been loyal to the party’s ideals.

He said, “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. Those are people who destroyed the party. How many times has he left PDP and returned?”

Wike, who served as Rivers State governor before his ministerial appointment, has been vocal in his criticism of the PDP’s leadership and its handling of the 2023 presidential election.

His latest comments are seen as a continuation of his long-running feud with Atiku, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

Wike Hails Diri’s Defection to APC

The FCT Minister also expressed delight over reports that Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Wike, Diri’s departure from the PDP did not come as a surprise, noting that the Bayelsa governor and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, had once vowed to protect the party from collapse.

He said, “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 and fall to the gutter. Who has entered the gutters today?”

Also Read: Regina Daniels Accuses Husband Ned Nwoko of Ordering Siblings’ Arrest

Wike’s remarks come amid renewed political realignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, with several PDP figures reportedly considering new alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Governor Diri had publicly responded to Wike’s comments as of press time.