Wike’s Attack On Atiku ‘Unsavory’ And ‘Infantile’, Says APC Chieftain Eze

Abuja, THE NEWSHAUS –  A sharp exchange of words has erupted between All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain and former nPDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The genesis of the dispute lies in Wike’s recent comments at a luncheon for departing Rivers State lawmakers loyal to him.

At the event, Wike quipped that Nigerians had rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election.

Chief Eze responded with a scathing rebuke, calling Wike’s statement “unsavory” and “an affront” on Atiku, whom he described as a “foremost mobiliser, democrat, philanthropist, and detribalised politician.”

Eze, known for his vocal support for Atiku, characterised Wike’s comments as the actions of a “political neophyte” who misunderstands the nature of politics, especially the concept of “permanent interest.”

He accused Wike of engaging in “cheap blackmail” to curry favour with President Bola Tinubu and the APC,  and  highlighted Wike’s “ingratitude” towards the PDP, the party that propelled him to political prominence.

Eze further reminded Wike that he owes his rise to Atiku, who played a pivotal role in the emergence of the PDP and the election of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He credited Atiku with significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth during his time as Vice President, noting that many of the key achievements of Obasanjo’s administration were driven by Atiku’s ideas.

He also criticised Wike’s assertion that he will remain a problem for Atiku, Obi, and PDP governors. “If you are that powerful,” Eze questioned, “how come Atiku defeated you and your group even when you influenced the 2018 PDP Presidential election to Port Harcourt and rounded you up during the 2022 PDP Presidential election?”

He emphasised that Wike lacks the political acumen to truly pose a threat to these figures.

Eze went on to declare that Wike’s “devilish strategies” have only served to “destroy the country’s nascent democracy” and that, despite his political machinations, he will fail in his attempts to decimate the PDP.

The APC chieftain implored Wike to retrace his steps, warning that Nigeria will not succumb to a one-party state despite the APC’s ambitions.

He dismissed Wike’s attempts to discredit Atiku as “dirty style of politics” and warned that he will be met with “fire and fury” in response.

Eze concluded by urging Wike to restrain from abusing political institutions and to desist from dragging Atiku into his “dirty style of politics.”

The statement from Eze comes at a time of heightened tensions within the PDP, with Wike at the forefront of a faction seeking to “reform” the party.

His actions and pronouncements have been widely interpreted as a bid to undermine Atiku’s leadership and solidify his position within the party.

The current exchange between Eze and Wike is likely to further exacerbate the existing divisions within the PDP, as both sides continue to spar over the direction of the party and the legacy of Atiku Abubakar.