Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that he has “no regrets” over his decision to overlook Nyesom Wikeas his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
Atiku, who lost the election to President Bola Tinubu, made this revelation during an interview for Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, set to air today.
Atiku vs. Wike: The Lingering PDP Rift
The Atiku-Wike feud traces back to the PDP’s 2022 primaries, where Wike, then Rivers State governor, aggressively sought the party’s presidential ticket but lost to Atiku. Following his defeat, Wike expected to be chosen as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate, but the former VP opted for Ifeanyi Okowa, the ex-governor of Delta State.
This decision deepened divisions within the PDP, with Wike and his G5 allies distancing themselves from Atiku’s campaign. Many PDP insiders accused Wike of working against Atiku in the election, a claim reinforced by his subsequent appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Tinubu’s government.
Why Atiku Chose Okowa Over Wike
Addressing the selection process, Atiku explained that he let the PDP decide.
“They said I did not consult widely in 2019 when I picked Peter Obi as my running mate. So in 2023, I told the party to set up a committee to recommend three names.”
According to Atiku, the committee ranked:
- Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta)
- Nyesom Wike (Rivers)
- Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom)
“So I picked number one,” Atiku stated bluntly. When asked if he had any regrets, he responded:“No, not at all.”
The Fallout and PDP’s Internal Crisis
Since the election, Wike has openly criticized Atiku and the PDP leadership, aligning himself with Tinubu’s administration. His influence in the ruling APC has grown, raising questions about his future within the PDP.
Meanwhile, Atiku remains focused on his political ambitions, with speculation mounting over a potential 2027 presidential bid. However, the deep fractures within the PDP—largely fueled by the Atiku-Wike rift—continue to haunt the opposition party.
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