Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, made a notable appearance at the National Caucus meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Joining them at the gathering, held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, were prominent figures including former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate Minority leader Abba Moro, and Sokoto South counterpart Aminu Tambuwal.
The meeting, marked by heightened security, convened to deliberate crucial matters regarding the party’s leadership in preparation for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday.
In a symbolic turn of events, Atiku and Wike found themselves in the same forum for the first time since the 2023 general elections. Their strained relationship, stemming from political differences during the elections, had been a subject of much speculation within the party.
Although the extent of interaction between Atiku and Wike remained undisclosed, observers noted the presence of former Vice-President Sambo seated between them during the proceedings.
The rift between Atiku and Wike originated from the former’s choice of running mate during the primaries, which did not sit well with the latter. Despite efforts by party leaders to reconcile the two, Wike’s eventual support for the opposition candidate, Bola Tinubu, further strained relations within the PDP.
Tinubu emerged victorious in the elections, leading to Wike’s eventual appointment as FCT Minister following the completion of his second term as Rivers State governor.