Wike Labels Atiku, Tambuwal “Chronic Betrayers” in Sharp Political Critique

 

 

Wike Labels Atiku, Tambuwal “Chronic Betrayers” in Sharp Political Critique

 

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has fired a stinging attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, accusing them of political inconsistency and betrayal.

 

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Wike dismissed Tambuwal’s earlier claims that he would choose Atiku over him in leadership matters.

 

“What do you mean by leadership and friendship? You cannot talk about leadership and ignore the person,” Wike said. “These are people who have been consistently inconsistent. When you are a consistent betrayer, what do you expect?”

 

Wike alleged that Tambuwal had positioned himself for a Senate seat if Atiku had won the 2023 presidential election. He further accused both men of party-hopping for personal gain.

 

Earlier on September 6, Tambuwal had pledged loyalty to Atiku, insisting his choices were guided by governance values rather than personal friendship. He maintained cordial relations with leaders across party lines despite political disagreements.

 

“When it comes to leadership of this country and leadership of the people, tomorrow, not even today, I would rather support Atiku than Nyesom Wike. It is a collaboration. It is not personal,” Tambuwal said.

 

He explained that his past disagreements, including those with former President Goodluck Jonathan, were ideological, not personal. “We disagreed on principle and direction, not as individuals. That is why I left PDP for APC,” he added.

 

The rift between Wike and key PDP leaders dates back to 2023, when Wike criticised Atiku, Tambuwal, and Bukola Saraki over the alleged abandonment of zoning arrangements that would have favoured the South. He also reminded viewers of his past support for Tambuwal’s bid for Speaker of the House of Representatives, against the party’s preference.

 

Tambuwal, however, stressed that political disagreements should not be misconstrued as personal hostility. “If Atiku comes in here and Wike requests my phone, I will give it to him as a personal friend,” he noted.