PDP Stable Despite Atiku’s Defection to ADC – Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed fears of any crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Wike, who spoke at a live media parley in Abuja on Monday, insisted that the South-South Zonal Congress held in Calabar, which produced Chief Daniel Orbi as National Vice Chairman, must stand.
“Our South-South Zonal Congress that was held must be upheld. There’s no doubt, no two words about it,” he said.
He faulted claims that the congress lacked proper authorisation, saying a court ruling cleared the way for it.
“Our congress was held in Calabar, and there’s nothing anybody can tell us. The Court allowed for Congress to hold. If they want another round of Congress, so be it. But our Congress held, and Chief Daniel Orbi emerged as the National Vice Chairman,” he added.
Wike took a swipe at the PDP’s Acting National Chairman for opposing the exercise, accusing him of attempting to sideline South-South members.
He also berated Atiku over his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as yet another episode in his long record of party-hopping.
“Atiku was in the PDP in 1999, then he joined the Action Congress (AC). After AC, he returned to the PDP, later moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and then back to the PDP again, all in pursuit of the presidential ticket. If I were his son, I would sit him down and ask: ‘Dad, how can you keep hopping from one party to another at almost 80 years old?’” Wike said.
He claimed Atiku left because he had no chance of clinching the PDP presidential ticket for 2027.
“The way the PDP is now, it is not likely that Atiku would get a ticket; therefore, it is not comfortable. Therefore, he tells you, ‘Let’s do a coalition against Tinubu.’ It’s not right,” he stated.
The minister dismissed the proposed opposition coalition as unserious and criticised former Senate President David Mark for also defecting to the ADC, questioning his contributions while in office.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
