Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, accusing them of political inconsistency and betrayal.
Wike, who spoke on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday, dismissed Tambuwal’s claim that he would always back Atiku over him on matters of leadership.
“What kind of leadership are you talking about when you ignore the individual? These are people who have been consistently inconsistent. If you are known for betraying people, what else should anyone expect?” Wike said.
He alleged that Tambuwal had angled for a Senate position had Atiku emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election, describing both men as politicians who frequently switch parties to pursue personal ambitions.
Tambuwal, who appeared on the same programme on September 6, had pledged loyalty to Atiku, insisting that his political choices were guided by values of governance rather than personal ties. He maintained that his disagreements with leaders had always been ideological.
“When it comes to leadership of the country, I would rather support Atiku than Wike. It is about collaboration and selflessness, nothing personal. That is why you have never seen me attack Tinubu or Wike personally,” Tambuwal said at the time.
He further explained that his past disputes, including with former President Goodluck Jonathan, were driven by principles. “I had no personal problem with Jonathan, but I disagreed with the direction of governance, which was why I left PDP for APC,” he said.
The friction between Wike and top PDP leaders dates back to the 2023 elections, when Wike strongly opposed Atiku, Tambuwal, and Bukola Saraki over the abandonment of the zoning arrangement that would have favoured the South. Wike reminded viewers that he once backed Tambuwal for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, even against his party’s position.
Tambuwal, however, has maintained that political rifts should not be confused with personal animosity. “If Atiku walks in here and Wike asks for my phone, I will still hand it to him as a personal friend,” he said.
