Wike: Atiku Dumped PDP Over 2027 Presidential Ticket Struggles
Abuja, Nigeria – August 4, 2025
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has claimed that ex‑Vice President Atiku Abubakar left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he would no longer be allowed to clinch the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Wike Reacts to Atiku’s Party Defection
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja, Wike teased Atiku’s long history of party hopping—moving between PDP, Action Congress, APC, and back to PDP—all allegedly in pursuit of the presidency.
“Atiku moved from the PDP to AC, came back, joined APC, then returned again—always chasing the presidential ticket,” Wike stated.
“If I were his son, I’d ask: ‘Dad, how do you keep switching parties at nearly 80 years old?’”
Coalition Drive Driven by Ticket Denial?
Wike argued Atiku’s recent coalition-building with opposition forces, culminating in his adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stems from his frustration with the PDP and inability to secure its presidential slot.
“He left the PDP because he couldn’t get the ticket. Then he pushed for a coalition against President Tinubu. That’s not right,” Wike remarked.
PDP Crisis Over — But Issues Remain
Despite Atiku’s defection, Wike claimed the turmoil within PDP has subsided—for now. Yet he warned that unresolved structural issues remain, citing the importance of respecting the South-South zonal congress and its outcome, including the election of Chief Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman.
“Our South–South congress was held in Calabar; courts upheld it. If anyone wants more chaos, so be it,” Wike said.
Historical Animosity and Political Context
Wike and Atiku’s political rivalry dates back to the PDP primary in 2022, which Atiku narrowly won, sidelining Wike. The fallout intensified when Wike was excluded as vice-presidential candidate, fuelling internal divisions. Wike later supported opposition in the 2023 election, weakening PDP’s cohesion.
Atiku’s latest resignation from PDP in July 2025 marks his third defection since 1999—reinforcing Wike’s criticism of his perceived political nomadism.
