FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has accused the former Senate President David Mark, of orchestrating the manipulation of the 2022 PDP presidential convention to ensure Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s victory.
In an interview with Channels TV, Wike detailed what he described as behind-the-scenes maneuvering that cost him the party’s presidential ticket. “I was the one to beat in that election. It turned out they were meeting in General Babangida’s house. They couldn’t stand it. I had taken over everywhere. I won Kano 90%, I won Katsina 90%,” Wike claimed, highlighting his strong performance in the primaries.
The FCT Minister accused David Mark of using his military background to execute what he termed “coup tactics” during the convention. “But that was where David Mark brought his knowledge of military coup tactics as the former Senate President; he was the chairman of the convention. Every candidate and every aspirant had spoken; now it was time for us to vote. Then we had an announcement that there was an announcement,” Wike recounted.
He described how the unexpected announcement disrupted the voting process at a crucial moment. “What was the announcement? We thought maybe the electoral committee would say, ‘Look, this is what you should do, this is what you should not do.’ When I heard what they said, Aminu Tambuwal said, ‘My brothers, I want to withdraw from the race,'” Wike revealed.
According to Wike, Tambuwal’s withdrawal went beyond a simple stepping down from the race. “I have no problem with that but he went further to say, ‘Vote for my senior brother Atiku.’ He urged other aspirants to come and endorse Atiku. That was what they rigged it with—David Mark,” the FCT Minister alleged.
Wike further disclosed that multiple aspirants had been approached to withdraw in favor of Atiku before the primary election. He claimed that Bukola Saraki, Aminu Tambuwal, and Bala Mohammed were all asked to step down but initially refused.
The FCT Minister alleged that Tambuwal’s eventual withdrawal was secured through specific promises, including offers of a Director-General position and potential Senate President role.See, More, Here>>>>
