Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has claimed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after unsuccessful attempts to control the party’s leadership.
Wike made the comments during a media chat with journalists on Thursday, addressing recent political realignments involving opposition figures.
He alleged that David Mark left the PDP after being denied the position of national chairman, prompting his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has since become the political platform for a new opposition coalition.
“These are people who are angry because they could not hijack the PDP,” Wike said, accusing the coalition members of being driven by a desire to return to power rather than genuine reform.
He urged Nigerians to question the motives of those involved in the new political movement, warning that many of them were previously in power but failed to deliver meaningful change.
“Nigerians need to be careful of these individuals. Everyone knows their track records. How long can they continue to deceive people?” Wike stated.
He further described the opposition as fragmented and weakened ahead of the 2027 general elections. “The opposition has decimated themselves,” he said.
Atiku, Mark, and other prominent figures recently joined forces under the ADC in an effort to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the next election cycle.
Wike’s comments come amid ongoing shifts in Nigeria’s political landscape, as parties and coalitions position themselves for 2027.
