Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has responded to recent claims by Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, regarding the zoning of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential ticket. Wike had alleged that Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and others were responsible for the PDP’s decision to zone the ticket to the North, contrary to the party’s zoning policy.
Eze refuted Wike’s claims, asserting that it was Wike’s actions that led to the collapse of the party’s zoning agreement. According to Eze, Wike’s “dictatorial tendencies” and ambition to secure the PDP presidential ticket in 2022 forced the party to abandon its zoning policy, resulting in the presidential primaries being thrown open.
“It is sad that Wike is being economical with the truth,” Eze said in a statement. He also dismissed Wike’s assertion that Atiku Abubakar opposed zoning the presidential ticket to the South, clarifying that Atiku had proposed that, if the presidency were to be zoned to the South, it should go to the South-East. This proposal was rejected by Wike and other key figures within the party, including the G-5 governors, who instead pushed for an open contest.
Eze continued, accusing Wike of undermining the PDP’s chances in the 2023 elections by backing out of the presidential race after failing to secure the nomination. He further claimed that Wike’s collaboration with President Bola Tinubu was a strategic move to weaken the PDP, casting doubt on any potential reconciliation between Wike and the party.
“While Wike is busy trying to destabilize the PDP, his political relationship with Tinubu will eventually crumble due to his history of betrayal and egocentrism,” Eze concluded, suggesting that Wike’s influence within the APC was limited and warning him against continuing to invoke Atiku’s name. He called on the PDP to expel Wike, asserting that he was working to suffocate the party’s chances in 2027.
