Datti Baba-Ahmed: Wike May Be Justified in PDP Crisis Over Alleged Betrayal

Former Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has weighed in on the lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, may have some justification for his controversial role in the party’s internal disputes.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed said Wike was not treated fairly by the PDP, especially given his past sacrifices and contributions to the party.

According to him, Wike sustained the PDP during a turbulent period when many others had distanced themselves from its activities, only to be betrayed by close allies at a critical political juncture.

“You see, all the things that Wike is doing, I don’t agree with them, but he is justified to an extent,” Baba-Ahmed said. “Right at the Eagle Square, in the glare of the whole world, a party that he sustained while others were away—a very dear friend of his, at the most critical moment, backstabbed him.”

He added that from Wike’s perspective, it was not just a political betrayal but one framed along regional and religious lines.

“As far as he’s concerned, ‘these are two northerners who cheated me; these are two Hausa-Fulanis; these are two Muslims who cheated me, and I will teach them a lesson.’ This is Wike,” Baba-Ahmed stated.

He cautioned political actors to be mindful of their methods, noting that treachery and political manoeuvring can have far-reaching consequences.

“I used to tell these people—be careful, even in your acts of politicking, be careful when you ask for treachery, be careful with your tricks. There is a time you fix somebody beyond imagination,” he warned.

Referring to Wike’s long-standing political relationships, particularly from as far back as 2011, Baba-Ahmed said the betrayal he suffered at the hands of those he supported deeply hurt him.

“The people who did this to Wike come from a very rich history of friendship with him. And at the very last, they did this to him. He will destroy the party. He’s a human being,” he concluded.