Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has openly declared his preference for ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, when it comes to national leadership.

Appearing on Politics Today on Friday, Tambuwal said his political choices are guided by values and governance principles, not personal ties.

“When it comes to leadership for the future of this country, I would rather support Atiku than Nyesom Wike,” he stated.

Tensions between Wike and several Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) heavyweights trace back to the 2023 elections, when the former Rivers governor accused Atiku, Tambuwal, and Bukola Saraki of abandoning a zoning agreement that would have favored the South. Despite that, Wike has often reminded his allies that he once helped Tambuwal clinch the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives against party preference.

Clarifying his stance, Tambuwal stressed that political disagreements should never be confused with personal hostility. He noted that he maintains cordial relations across divides, including with President Bola Tinubu and Wike himself.

“My past clashes with leaders such as former President Goodluck Jonathan were ideological, never personal. We simply disagreed on the direction of governance,” he said.

Reiterating the separation of politics and friendship, Tambuwal added: “If Atiku is here and Wike asks me for my phone, I will gladly give it to him as a friend. But for leadership, my support goes to Atiku.”