Atiku Branded ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction’ Against PDP by Wike’s Top Aide

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has drawn sharp criticism from political figures aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, according to iReporter Online. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike, described Atiku as a “weapon fashioned against the PDP,” declaring that his departure was long overdue and ultimately beneficial to the party.

Appearing on a televised interview, Olayinka stated, “Atiku leaving the PDP is good riddance to bad rubbish. Like the Hausa would say—‘se go be’.” He further mocked the frequency of Atiku’s party defections, suggesting the headline should read, “Atiku leaves PDP again.” He argued that Atiku’s constant exits had destabilized the party over time and now that he is gone, the PDP could begin the process of rebuilding.

According to iReporter Online, Atiku announced his resignation from the PDP, citing irreconcilable differences and deviation from the party’s founding values. But Wike’s camp is interpreting the move not as a loss, but as a long-awaited relief from internal sabotage.

Olayinka also took a swipe at veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu, who also resigned from the PDP, questioning his political relevance. “You can’t call someone who didn’t get a single vote during the presidential primaries a political bigwig,” Olayinka said. He dismissed Momodu as more of a photo-book publisher than a political force, asserting that even he (Olayinka) had won over 10,000 votes in a House of Representatives primary—something he claims Momodu could never achieve.

According to iReporter Online, Olayinka further ridiculed the timing and impact of Momodu’s resignation, claiming it only made headlines because people discovered for the first time that he hails from Edo State. He insisted the PDP must focus on credible leadership, not self-appointed elites with no electoral track record.

The fierce remarks signal renewed political turbulence within Nigeria’s main opposition party, with loyalists drawing battle lines in anticipation of the 2027 elections. Yet, Wike’s camp insists the storm is a cleansing one, not a crisis.