Tension is rising ahead of the May 15 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reignite their long-standing feud over Atiku’s choice of running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

In an interview on Untold Stories with Adesuwa, aired last Wednesday, Atiku claimed he picked former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa because a PDP committee ranked him as the preferred choice.

He recalled that after his 2019 presidential election loss, some party leaders criticised him for choosing Peter Obi as his running mate without adequate consultation. To avoid a repeat, Atiku said he allowed a committee to recommend three candidates for the 2023 election, ultimately selecting Okowa, who was ranked first, followed by Wike and former Akwa Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel.

Wike accuses ex-VP of falsehood

However, Wike, through his spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, dismissed Atiku’s claim as false. He asserted that the committee had conducted an internal vote in which he secured 13 votes against Okowa’s two, yet Atiku bypassed him.

Wike accused Atiku of distorting facts, stating, “Wike never put himself forward to be Atiku’s running mate. Atiku did by himself, and he (Wike) accepted the offer with conditions.”

He further challenged Atiku’s credibility, saying, “The committee set up by the PDP picked Wike, but for reasons best known to him, Atiku settled for Okowa, who had only two votes. That’s the truth he should stand by rather than colouring his decision with falsehood.” He accused the former vice president of “Telling lies so brazenly during the holy month of Ramadan.”

Despite the fallout, Wike insisted he had no regrets about Atiku’s decision or his own stance in the 2023 election, where he backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Atiku camp fires back

Responding, the Atiku Media Office accused Wike’s camp of distorting history. In a strongly worded statement, it said, “Bitterness often finds expression in misplaced aggression. Mr Wike and his team should understand that a bitter heart isn’t capable of charity, nor does it inspire unity, healing, or truth.”

The statement dismissed Wike’s claim of securing 13 votes as irrelevant, arguing that the selection of a running mate was not a popularity contest but a strategic decision made solely by the presidential candidate. It insisted Okowa was chosen based on intellect, composure and statesmanship—qualities it suggested Wike lacked.

“Leadership is not only about numbers; it is about temperament, dignity and the ability to unify. A man may boast of numbers, but if his conduct lacks grace and humility, those numbers are empty,” the statement read.

It also cited Wike’s conduct in Rivers State and as FCT minister, as evidence of why he was unfit for the role. The Atiku camp further criticised Wike for invoking religious piety during Ramadan while allegedly “fanning the flames of discord.” It urged him to focus on rebuilding the party rather than nursing “bruised egos.”

Power struggle ahead of NEC meeting

Party leaders noted that the renewed altercation underscores the ongoing battle for control within the PDP.

Atiku, now leading efforts to forge an opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election, remains engaged in PDP politics, hoping the NEC meeting will shift the party’s structure in his favour. However, Wike’s camp is also working to consolidate its grip on the party despite recent setbacks.

A party leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, has moved away from Wike’s influence and is now aligning more with PDP governors. This shift, he said, was evident in the decision to disregard the South-South zonal congress organised by Wike and his allies.

Additionally, the Supreme Court’s ruling on the party secretary position has further complicated the dynamics. While the court overturned the removal of Wike ally Senator Samuel Anyanwu as PDP national secretary, it also stated that such decisions fall within the party’s internal processes.

Sources said both camps are now strategising on how to leverage the upcoming NEC meeting to assert dominance.

With both factions positioning for control, analysts predict a highly contentious NEC meeting—one that could shape the PDP’s trajectory ahead of 2027, especially if Atiku decides to remain in the main opposition party