Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South, has clarified his relationship with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stating that while they remain personal friends, his political allegiance, particularly in matters of leadership, lies with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Tambuwal addressed longstanding speculations about a falling-out with Wike, stemming from the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary, where Tambuwal dramatically stepped down in favour of Atiku Abubakar.
His withdrawal was widely seen as a pivotal moment that handed Atiku the victory, much to the displeasure of Wike and his camp.
“I never betrayed Wike,” Tambuwal insisted. “My friend met me in the presidential convention then. He gave me the indication that he would run, and he knew that I was running.”
He stressed that betrayal implies breaking an agreement, which he says did not exist between himself and the former Rivers State governor.
“It’s not betrayal. When you say betrayal, it’s when you have an understanding and you go against the understanding,” he explained.
Tambuwal reinforced the personal bond he shares with Wike, saying he still considers him a close friend.
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“If Atiku comes in here today and Wike comes in here and requests for this my phone — my personal phone — I will give it to Wike because he is my friend,” Tambuwal said.
I support Atiku for leadership
However, on the question of political judgment and national leadership, the Senator did not mince words about who he believes is better suited.
“On a personal level, I support Nyesom Wike. But in leadership, I support Atiku Abubakar,” he declared.
Tambuwal explained that his political choices have always been driven by principle and the national interest, rather than personal loyalties. He drew a comparison with his previous defection from the PDP to the APC in 2014, stating that even then, he acted on policy disagreements, not personal issues.
“It’s not anything tough once it is about the country, once it is about being realistic — and nothing personal,” he said.
“I had no problem personally with former President Goodluck Jonathan, but we disagreed. I left PDP for APC. And when I presided over the House of Representatives back then, we had our back and forth on so many policy issues.
