Wike abandons PDP convention
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike caused a stir during the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary by leaving the convention nearly four hours before Atiku Abubakar was officially declared the winner. The event, held at Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, was attended by 763 accredited delegates.
The move drew widespread attention, with analysts suggesting it reflected deep intra-party tensions within the PDP. Wike, a major contender, had been locked in a tight race with Atiku. Ultimately, Atiku secured 371 votes, defeating Wike, who polled 237 votes. Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who had initially been in the race, withdrew and endorsed Atiku, instructing his delegates to transfer their support.
Wike’s early exit was followed by legal action, as he challenged the primary results. He questioned the legality of Tambuwal’s withdrawal and the subsequent transfer of votes to Atiku, seeking to have himself declared the rightful nominee. The move underscored the internal disputes and factionalism that have long characterized Nigeria’s major political parties.
Political commentators note that Wike’s actions at the convention highlight not only personal ambitions but also broader struggles for influence and control within the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections. His departure before the announcement symbolically marked a fracture within the party, a scenario that continues to shape Nigerian politics.
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