As the pro-Wike PDP faction looks to the north for Makinde’s running mate in 2027, a move to frustrate Atiku’s chances begins.

There are indications that top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, have initiated a clandestine move to edge out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the 2027 presidential race.

Instead, they are backing Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to battle with Bola Tinubu who is expected to seek reelection.

The pro-Wike faction, comprising members of the National Working Committee, has begun pushing for Makinde’s candidacy, citing Atiku’s perceived weaknesses.

Atiku’s decision to protect former PDP national chairman Iyorchia Ayu during the “Ayu-must-go” campaign has not been forgiven by some party chieftains. They believe Atiku’s actions cost the party the 2023 presidential election, lost by a margin of just over one million votes.

Atiku’s age is seen as a liability, making him less sellable in 2027. According to the group, there is a need for a younger, more vibrant candidate like Makinde has become apparent. Makinde’s capacity, being a Christian and a Southerner, is also said to make him an attractive option. Furthermore, Atiku’s perceived lack of sincerity in winning the presidency has fueled the move against him.

“Every election cycle, you will be given a presidential ticket; you will bungle it. Look at the mess that he caused for us at the 2023 election. What was difficult in going to kneel before the aggrieved five governors (G-5) and winning the election for us?

“Now, it is one of those same men you cried about that is giving you a problem. He could have waited till after the election and deceived Wike as (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo did during his time. Atiku was not serious and sincere about winning that presidency,” a source said.

“The same (Iyorchia) Ayu he was protecting told us during the campaign that both Atiku and Tinubu are his friends. But you were there playing politics like a greenhorn.

“Just because of Ayu, you sacrificed five governors. There was no way those five governors would not have changed the story for us. We lost the presidential election by less or a little over one million votes.

“That is why we are seeking a way out. Nobody can just be coming and using the PDP to experiment every four years. For now, we are supporting Seyi Makinde. Let this aspiration go to the South West this time. Makinde has shown capacity. He is a Christian and a Southerner.

“Let us try the other side of the country for a change. Seyi is young and vibrant. He can connect with both the young and old. We only need to get a powerful northern candidate for him, and he is good to go,” an NWC member disclosed.

The pro-Wike faction is now scouting for a powerful northern running mate to pair with Makinde.

POLITICS NIGERIA understands that Makinde has yet to declare interest in the 2027 election but the Oyo state governor says he is qualified to contest and will push for the presidential election agenda when the time is right.

However, Atiku’s camp has downplayed the move, stating they are not under pressure.

“Who is threatened? We are talking about how Nigerians will survive the economic problems they are facing, some people about 2027. Is it not too early? We are concerned about the welfare of Nigerians. We are not bothered about their machinations.

“It is only a man who doesn’t have the interest of Nigerians at heart that will be talking about 2027, especially when people are dying every day. We are not ready for that drama,” the Special Assistant on Public Communication, to Atiku, Phrank Shaibu, said.