Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has explained why he did not select former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as his running mate. According to Atiku, Wike was not suitable for a ticket aimed at fostering unity.
In a statement issued by his media office on Saturday, Atiku emphasized that his choice of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, was based on “a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship.”
Atiku, in a recent interview, reaffirmed that he had no regrets about overlooking Wike for the vice-presidential slot in the 2023 election. He revealed that a committee had recommended three candidates—Okowa, Wike, and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel. However, Okowa was ultimately chosen because he scored the highest.
In response, Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, dismissed Atiku’s explanation, stating that he had no regrets about missing out on the position. He also claimed credit for Atiku’s loss in the 2023 election and vowed to work against him again in 2027.
Atiku countered Wike’s remarks, asserting that leadership is about character, not just numbers. He stated, “The attention of Atiku Media Office has been drawn to yet another emotional outburst disguised as a press statement from the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, issued by his aide, Lere Olayinka.
“While we understand that bitterness often finds expression in misplaced aggression, we must remind Mr. Wike and his team that a bitter heart isn’t capable of charity, nor does it inspire unity, healing, or truth.
“Once again, facts have been twisted in a desperate attempt to rewrite history. Mr. Wike, through his spokesperson, claims that he had 13 votes from a committee set up to recommend a vice-presidential running mate, while Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa had only two. Let us be clear: there are no laid down rules or laws on the selection process of a running mate. Committees, consultations, and recommendations are advisory. The final decision rests solely and exclusively with the presidential candidate, in this case, Atiku Abubakar. It is a constitutional and strategic choice, not a popularity contest.
“Assuming, but not conceding that Wike had 13 votes and Okowa had 2—just like universities confer degrees in learning and in character—one must ask: what is the worth of votes if character scores a zero? Leadership is not only about numbers; it is about temperament, dignity, and the ability to unify. A man may boast of numbers, but if his conduct lacks grace and humility, those numbers are empty.”
Atiku urged Wike to move on from past political disagreements and focus on the country’s progress.
“We make no apologies for choosing Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate in 2023. That decision was based on a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship.
“We have been vindicated by Mr. Wike’s public conduct in Rivers state, where he once served as governor, and in Abuja since becoming FCT Minister, which has made it abundantly clear why he was unsuitable for the role of Vice President in a ticket meant to unify, not divide.
“We urge Mr. Wike and his social media spokesperson to resist the temptation to sermonize about religious piety during Ramadan and Lent, too, while simultaneously fanning the flames of discord. Let us not reduce sacred periods to a tool for petty political jabs.” he reiterated.
