"Resurgence of Atiku and Wike's Conflict Erupts Anew, Focusing on the Loyalty of the Acting Chairman"

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself engulfed in a fresh crisis with ties to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor Nyesom Wike, both of whom recently made it onto President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's ministerial list. This development has sparked concerns over the loyalty of Umar Ililya Damagum, the acting national chairman of the PDP.

According to a report by TheCable, sources close to Atiku strongly suspect that Damagum is working in favor of Wike, the former governor of Rivers state. Wike's prior rebellion against the PDP, along with his G-5 allies, had significant political repercussions for the party, particularly during the general elections. Wike publicly admitted to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his own principal, Atiku Abubakar. Many believe that Wike's defiance played a role in Atiku's defeat to Tinubu in what could be his final attempt at the presidency since his first bid in the early 90s. Nevertheless, Atiku remains determined to challenge Tinubu's victory at the presidential election petition tribunal in Abuja, hoping for a chance at redemption.

In this ongoing crisis, prominent Atiku loyalists, such as Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa, Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Niger, and Adamu Maina Waziri, former minister, have taken a stand against Damagum. They are calling for his removal as the PDP chairman, accusing him of being involved in "hobnobbing" with Wike and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Atiku's home state.

Furthermore, Damagum faces additional allegations of misappropriation and mismanagement of funds left behind by the former PDP chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu. As the rift intensifies, the PDP finds itself embroiled in a tumultuous situation that could have far-reaching implications for the party's unity and stability.