Atiku Abubakar has blasted Nyesom Wike, accusing the FCT Minister of hypocrisy and betrayal.
The PDP chieftain said Wike has no moral authority to speak on sincerity, given his role in undermining the very party that brought him to national prominence.
Wike had earlier criticized efforts to form a coalition against President Bola Tinubu, describing them as dishonest and politically motivated.
He alleged that Atiku and his allies were only interested in power and had abandoned the task of rebuilding the PDP.
In response, Atiku, speaking through his spokesperson, Paul Ibe lashed out at Wike, accusing him of aiding the APC’s strategy to weaken the PDP and suppress opposition voices.
“Wike is in no position to talk about sincerity. He betrayed his party, aligned with the APC, and now speaks as if he holds the moral high ground,” Atiku said in an interview with Punch.
He also accused Wike of meddling in Rivers State politics, saying the former governor was using federal backing to pressure Governor Siminalayi Fubara and tighten his grip on the state.
Taking a jab at President Tinubu, Atiku said: “Wike should advise his boss, the absentee president who governs from a WhatsApp group, to return and lead the country properly.”
Atiku stressed that the coalition Wike derided is driven by genuine concern for Nigeria’s future and not by any personal political quest.
“The goal is simple: rescue Nigeria from failed leadership. This coalition is a platform for change.
“Wike and his kind wouldn’t understand that, because they’re more concerned with power than progress,” he added.