Aminu Tambuwal Atiku support over Nyesom Wike sparks debate as he cites principles, not grudges, in Nigeria’s leadership choices

Aminu Tambuwal Atiku support has reignited conversations within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the former Speaker of the House of Representatives openly declared that he would back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for Nigeria’s leadership.

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Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Tambuwal—also a former governor of Sokoto State—clarified that his political choices are guided by principles and national interest, not personal rivalries.

“You have never heard me taking on Tinubu on personal grounds, and you have never heard me attacking Wike personally. Our disagreements are purely based on principle and the direction in which the country is heading,” he stated.

The PDP heavyweight noted that despite his personal friendship with Wike, his preference for Atiku was rooted in leadership capacity.

“If Wike comes in here today and Atiku also comes to request my phone, I will hand it to Wike as a personal friend. But when it comes to matters of national leadership, I draw the line,” Tambuwal said.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s leadership should be built on vision, competence, and commitment to national progress rather than loyalty or emotions. “Even tomorrow, I would rather support Atiku instead of Nyesom Wike for the leadership of this country,” he declared.

Reflecting on his past political moves, Tambuwal recounted his defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress during the Jonathan administration, stressing that it was motivated by ideological differences, not hostility.

On corruption allegations, Tambuwal addressed ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigations into alleged cash withdrawals during his tenure, dismissing them as politically motivated.

“The matter is still under investigation. I’m going back to EFCC sometime this coming week.

I don’t want to discuss it on national television,” he said, describing claims of N189bn withdrawals as “simply impossible.”

He further dismissed speculation linking political thugs to banditry during his governorship, saying he found no evidence to support such claims.

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Tambuwal’s remarks are likely to deepen the debate within the PDP, which has struggled to heal divisions after Atiku defeated Wike in the 2023 presidential primaries.