I will support Atiku, not Wike for leadership

Aminu Tambuwal, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has openly expressed his preference for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in the context of Nigeria’s leadership.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tambuwal remarked, “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 emphasized that his political choices are consistently guided by principles rather than personal issues.

Reflecting on the PDP dynamics leading up to the 2023 general elections, Tambuwal noted that the primary defeat of Wike by Atiku caused significant tensions within the party, ultimately leading Wike to back Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tambuwal further illuminated his political journey by discussing his shift from the PDP to the APC during the Jonathan administration, attributing it to ideological differences rather than personal animosity. “When I was Speaker of the House of Representatives, we often had differing views on policy; that’s part of democracy,” he explained.

He clarified that personal relationships do not dictate his political decisions: “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 expressed his unwavering support for Atiku, stating emphatically, “Even tomorrow, I would rather support Atiku instead of Nyesom Wike for the leadership of this country.” He highlighted the significance of vision, competence, and commitment to national progress as the foundation for effective leadership.

Addressing speculations about a connection between political thugs and banditry, Tambuwal indicated he had no evidence to support such claims during his tenure as governor. Moreover, he responded to ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission regarding alleged cash withdrawals during his administration, labeling the allegations as “politically motivated” and questioning the credibility of claims that substantial cash was withdrawn, describing them as “simply impossible.”

Source: PUNCH