Atiku Abubakar's Perceived Stranglehold on the PDP
Since 2003, Atiku has consistently been a tool utilized against the PDP, according to Wike's advisor.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has openly accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of being the root of the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) problems, as early as 2003. In a candid post on his X account, Olayinka pointed the finger at Atiku for undermining the PDP consistently for over two decades.
He highlighted an instance from the build-up to the 2023 presidential election where some party members refused to accept Wike as the PDP's vice presidential candidate due to perceived control issues. Olayinka emphasized that winning the election should be the priority, rather than worrying about controlling individuals within the party.
"They said then that Wike would be too powerful as Vice President, it’d be hard to control him, blah blah blah.
"People who haven’t won an election talking about controlling someone as Vice President.
"Then they branded us as disloyal to the party.
"Since 2003, Atiku has been the party's weapon," Olayinka stated.
On the other side, former Delta State Governor and 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, predicted that Atiku would soon abandon the PDP. Taking to ARISE News during an interview in April 2025, Okowa revealed the news of Atiku's rumored departure, citing the party's internal strife as the main cause.
He lamented the growing discontent among party members as the nation prepares for the 2027 elections.
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- PDP Considers Changes to Counter Defections: Meetings on the Horizon**
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"Lere Olayinka, a senior advisor to the Federal Capital Territory's minister, has noted the long-standing problem of Atiku Abubakar within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dating back to 2003. He criticized Atiku's disloyal behavior towards the party, causing divisions and undermining its success.
"During the 2023 election campaign, some PDP members were hesitant to accept Wike as the vice presidential candidate due to perceived control issues, a stance that Olayinka deemed unwise.
"Olayinka emphasized that winning elections should be the priority, rather than focusing on controlling individuals within the party.
"He accused Atiku of being the PDP's weapon, causing problems and strife for over two decades.
"On the contrary, Ifeanyi Okowa, the 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate and former Delta State Governor, predicted that Atiku would soon leave the party, citing internal strife as the main reason.
"Okowa expressed his concern over the growing discontent among party members as the nation prepares for the 2027 elections.
"You might find these articles interesting: Atiku Won't Jump Ship: Momodu Counters Okowa's Claims, PDP Considers Changes to Counter Defections: Meetings on the Horizon, PDP Leaders to Face Punishment for Backing Tinubu: Rumors Circulate, Dark Days Are Over: Opposition Lawmakers Call for Wike's Expulsion, Choosing Okowa as VP Candidate in 2023 Was a Mistake: PDP Senator Speaks Out, No Beef With Okowa, Says Atiku on Defection and Leaving the PDP."
"The ongoing political drama in Nigeria, with the war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation issues, adds another layer to the general news, as the 2027 elections approach."
