The political tension between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and former Sokoto State governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, has resurfaced, with the minister’s camp vowing that Wike will publicly respond to recent remarks made by his former ally.

Tambuwal, while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today earlier in the week, dismissed suggestions that he betrayed Wike during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary in 2022. At the time, Tambuwal had dramatically stepped down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a decision that played a key role in Atiku’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer.

During the interview, Tambuwal defended his action, stressing that it was guided by principle and not personal betrayal. He further stated that, if given the same choice today, he would still support Atiku over Wike. His remarks immediately reignited debate over the events of 2022, which many Wike supporters still view as a turning point in the PDP’s internal divisions. Reacting to the comments, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, assured that the minister would not let the matter slide.

According to him, Wike will, at the right time, explain to Nigerians the true meaning of betrayal and integrity in politics. “Governor Wike is not afraid to speak. When he responds, Nigerians will understand what betrayal is all about. For now, let’s keep our fingers crossed,” Olayinka said.

The aide also hinted that Tambuwal’s comments about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the interview would not be ignored either, suggesting that Wike’s eventual statement may extend beyond personal grievances to broader political issues. The renewed verbal exchanges highlight the unresolved rift within the PDP, which has struggled to mend fences since the contentious 2022 primaries.

Political analysts warn that if the feud continues to dominate public discourse, it could weaken the party’s ability to rebuild and position itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections. Reactions from party supporters have been swift. While Tambuwal’s backers maintain that his decision was an act of party loyalty, Wike’s allies argue that it was a deliberate act of betrayal that undermined their principal’s chances.

The clash, they insist, continues to shape the PDP’s crisis of trust and unity. As Nigerians await Wike’s formal response, political observers believe his words could carry significant weight, not only in redefining his strained relationship with Tambuwal but also in shaping the PDP’s internal politics in the years to come.