The lingering dispute between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has flared up again, with both PDP chieftains trading accusations over Atiku’s vice presidential selection for the 2023 elections.
Their relationship fractured following the PDP presidential primaries when Atiku chose former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate instead of Wike, who had placed second in the primaries.
The latest exchange began after Atiku recently changed his explanation for selecting Okowa. While he initially stated he chose Okowa because he was someone he could work with and had presidential potential, Atiku later claimed his decision was based on recommendations from a party committee established for that purpose.
Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, strongly disputed this account, accusing Atiku of dishonesty during the holy month of Ramadan. According to Olayinka, the committee actually recommended Wike with 13 votes compared to Okowa’s mere two votes.
“Wike never campaigned to be Atiku’s running mate. Atiku approached him, and he accepted with conditions,” Olayinka stated. “The committee clearly favored Wike, but for reasons Atiku has never fully explained, he selected Okowa instead.”
Olayinka emphasized that Wike has moved beyond the 2023 election and harbors no regrets about either being passed over or the position he subsequently took regarding the presidential election.
The Atiku Media Office responded forcefully, accusing Wike’s camp of attempting to “rewrite history” through “emotional outbursts.” Their statement clarified that while committees and consultations are advisory, the final running mate decision rests exclusively with the presidential candidate.
“Leadership transcends mere numbers; it encompasses temperament, dignity, and unification abilities,” the statement read. “We stand by our choice of Dr. Okowa, which was based on intellect, composure, and statesmanship.”
Atiku’s team further suggested that Wike’s conduct since becoming FCT Minister has validated their decision, demonstrating why he would have been “unsuitable for the role of Vice President in a ticket meant to unify, not divide.”
The statement concluded by urging a focus on rebuilding the party and nation rather than dwelling on “bruised egos,” emphasizing that what truly matters is Nigeria’s future and its citizens’ wellbeing.
Leave a Reply