WIKE’S CHARACTER FLAW MADE ME PICK OKOWA IN 2023 – ATIKU
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The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, 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.
In a statement released by his media office on Saturday, Atiku explained that he chose former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate in 2023 due to a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship.
Atiku in a recent interview stated that he did not regret rejecting Wike as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
The former Vice President revealed that a committee had presented him with three potential candidates: former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Wike, and ex-Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel.
He announced that Okowa was selected as the running mate because he scored the highest.
In response, Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, dismissed Atiku’s comments, asserting that Wike had no regrets about losing the vice-presidential ticket to Okowa.
Wike emphasised that he had contributed to Atiku’s defeat in 2023 and vowed to ensure his failure again in 2027.
The former Vice President criticized Wike, stating that numbers are meaningless without good conduct and humility.
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 emphasised that it is time to put aside wounded egos and concentrate on Nigeria’s future and the welfare of its people.
He continued, “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.”
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