Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has taken a swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent statements regarding the selection of the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate.
Atiku accused Wike of lacking the character and temperament required for leadership, stating that his actions in Rivers State and Abuja have justified the decision to overlook him for the vice-presidential slot in the last general election.
This response comes after Wike, through his aide Lere Olayinka, challenged Atiku’s claim that a PDP committee ranked Delta State’s former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as the preferred choice for the party’s vice-presidential candidate, with Wike placed second and former Akwa Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel, in third. Wike’s camp disputed this, arguing that he had received 13 votes while Okowa had only two.
However, Atiku’s media office dismissed the argument, emphasizing that the selection of a running mate goes beyond mere numbers and is ultimately the decision of the presidential candidate.
“A running mate is not chosen based on a popularity contest but on strategic considerations,” the statement read. “Leadership requires more than just numbers; it demands composure, dignity, and the ability to unify. A person may claim numerical advantage, but if they lack humility and grace, those numbers mean nothing.”
Atiku further pointed to Wike’s recent actions as FCT Minister and his role in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, stating that they validate why he was not the right choice for the VP position.
“The events in Rivers State and Abuja under Wike’s leadership have only reaffirmed that his selection as running mate would have been a mistake. Leadership is about fostering unity, not division,” the statement added.
Atiku urged Wike and his supporters to move beyond political bitterness and focus on meaningful contributions to national development. He also cautioned against using religious periods such as Ramadan and Lent for political attacks, stressing the need for constructive engagement in rebuilding the party and the nation.
