Wike: Atiku’s Anti-Party Activities Still Affecting PDP
Lere Olayinka, Special Adviser on Public Communication to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has accused former PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of causing divisions within the party. Olayinka stated that Atiku’s actions in 2003, 2007, and 2014 continue to impact the PDP to this day.
Olayinka’s remarks were in response to claims made by Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, who had suggested that Wike was involved in anti-party activities. Ibe referred to a letter from the PDP to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which canceled the South-South Zonal Congress due to logistical issues. Despite this, Wike’s camp went ahead with the congress, which was attended by former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.
Ibe accused Wike and his associates of deliberately holding the congress to create a crisis to benefit their personal agendas.
In his response, Olayinka told Atiku’s supporters to stop pushing the narrative of their principal running for the presidency again, suggesting that it was time for Atiku to step down. “Tell your serial presidential candidate to rest,” Olayinka remarked. He also pointed out that Atiku’s past actions, particularly his rebellions against the PDP in 2003, 2007, and 2014, are still causing problems for the party today.
Additionally, Olayinka questioned the legitimacy of the PDP’s letter to INEC, highlighting that it took five days to reach the commission and was received three days after the congress had already occurred.
He further criticized those continuing to support Atiku’s presidential aspirations, stating, “It’s time for Daddy to rest and let the PDP breathe. The party has endured enough.”
Meanwhile, a group called PDP Frontiers for Change and Progress has urged Wike to demonstrate his commitment to the PDP by encouraging President Bola Tinubu, whom he frequently praises, to join the party. The group’s National Coordinator, Emeka Ikpegbu, questioned Wike’s loyalty to the PDP, suggesting that he should focus on bringing Tinubu into the party before addressing concerns about anti-party activities.
