Atiku Blasts Tinubu, Wike Over Blockade of PDP Event in Abuja

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike over the alleged blockade of a PDP event venue in Abuja.

Atiku accused the duo of deploying state apparatus to suppress opposition activities, describing the move as an unconstitutional abuse of power that undermines Nigeria’s democratic credentials.

‘A Dangerous Precedent’

The controversy stems from an incident in which PDP factional leaders were denied access to a public facility in the Federal Capital Territory for the ratification of former President Goodluck Jonathan as their presidential candidate for 2027. Atiku, speaking through his media office, expressed deep concern over what he called the weaponization of state power against political opponents.

“Denying the PDP access to a public facility in the nation’s capital is not just an affront to our party — it is an assault on democracy itself. President Tinubu and Minister Wike must understand that this is not their personal property. It belongs to the Nigerian people,” Atiku stated.

The former vice president warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent that could spiral into more severe forms of political suppression if left unchecked.

Wike Under Fire

Atiku reserved special criticism for Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers State governor now serving as FCT Minister under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration. Wike, a former PDP heavyweight who crossed over to the ruling party, has been accused by opposition figures of using his position to frustrate PDP activities in Abuja.

Atiku questioned the ethics of a minister actively working to block political events organized by his former party, calling it a betrayal of the democratic principles Wike once championed.

“When you abandon your party and join the opposition, that is your political choice. But using your new office to persecute your former colleagues is unconscionable. Nigerians are watching,” Atiku added.

Threat to Democratic Credibility

Beyond the immediate political fallout, Atiku argued that the incident damages Nigeria’s international reputation. He noted that foreign observers and diplomatic missions are closely monitoring the country’s preparedness for the 2027 elections, and such episodes do not inspire confidence.

He called on the international community and civil society organizations to speak out against what he termed “executive overreach” and urged security agencies to remain professional and neutral in the discharge of their duties.

The PDP has vowed to pursue all legal channels to ensure unfettered access to public facilities for its activities, while also rallying opposition parties to present a united front against what they perceive as a growing trend of democratic backsliding under the Tinubu administration.