The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to oppose former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in any future elections, ensuring he does not win.
Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike stated that he has no regrets over Atiku’s decision to overlook him as a running mate during the 2023 presidential election.
Atiku’s Justification for Choosing Okowa
In an interview with Adesina Giwa-Osagie, Atiku said he had no regrets about not selecting Wike as his vice-presidential candidate.
The rift between Atiku and Wike traces back to the PDP’s controversial 2022 primaries, where Wike had expected to be picked as Atiku’s running mate. However, Atiku instead chose former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Explaining his decision, Atiku said he wanted the party to be involved in the selection process.
- “They said I did not consult widely in 2019 when I picked Peter Obi as my running mate, so in 2023, I asked the PDP to form a committee to recommend three names,” Atiku explained.
- According to him, the committee ranked Okowa first, with Wike in second place and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel in third.
- “So, I picked number one,” Atiku concluded.
Wike’s Response
Reacting to Atiku’s comments, Olayinka, speaking on behalf of Wike, dismissed the former VP’s remarks, stating that Wike has no regrets and will continue to work against him.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Olayinka wrote:
“Two years after making the PDP lose a presidential election it could have won, Atiku is still explaining why he didn’t pick Wike as his running mate and claiming he has no regrets.
“Someone should tell our serial presidential election contender that Wike also has no regrets for ensuring he failed—and will make sure he fails again and again.”
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