BREAKING: “Why I Rejected Wike As Running Mate in 2023,” Atiku Finally Opens Up
The flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has clarified that he rejected former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as his running mate in the election because Wike was not suitable for a ticket intended to promote unity rather than division.
Legit.ng reported that Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, declared that his principal will ensure former Vice President Atiku Abubakar fails in his 2027 presidential bid.
Olayinka made the declaration while reacting to Atiku’s recent comment that he had no regrets about not picking Wike as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
Atiku earlier reaffirmed that he had no regrets about picking former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa over Nyesom Wike as his running mate in the 2023 election.
Reacting, Olayinka, in a statement on Wednesday, explained how Wike will frustrate Atiku as the plot to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu thickens.
Wike not right for unity, says Atiku
In a statement released by his media office on Saturday, March 29, Atiku explained that he chose Okowa as his running mate in 2023 due to a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship.
As reported by Vanguard and The Punch, the former Vice President criticized Wike, stating that numbers are meaningless without good conduct and humility.
Atiku said:
“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.”
2027 election: Atiku opens up on challenging Tinubu
In another development, Legit.ng reported that Atiku Abubakar remained undecided about contesting the 2027 presidential election, stressing the need for a strong opposition coalition first.
He emphasised that Nigeria is in urgent need of experienced leadership and cited the 2014 APC merger as an example of how unity among opposition figures can lead to victory.
Atiku voiced concerns over Nigeria’s declining democracy and governance standards, while also criticising the National Assembly’s handling of the state of emergency in Rivers state.
