Your character confirms why I rejected you as running mate in 2023 – Atiku replies Wike

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has explained why he chose Ifeanyi Okowa over Nyesom Wike as his running mate.

Speaking in an interview with Adesina Giwa-Osagie, Atiku stated that his decision was based on recommendations from a PDP committee, which ranked Okowa first, Wike second, and Udom Emmanuel third.

“They said I did not consult widely in 2019 when I picked Peter Obi, so in 2023, I asked the party to set up a committee to recommend three names. The committee ranked Okowa as number one, Wike as second, and Udom Emmanuel as third. So I picked the top choice,” he said.

Reacting, Lere Olayinka, spokesman of the FCT Minister, Wike, stated on social media that his principal would continue to work against Atiku’s presidential ambitions.

“Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike has no regret for ensuring his failure and will make sure he fails again and again,” Olayinka wrote.

In response, Atiku’s media team issued a statement emphasizing that leadership is about character, not just numbers.

“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 Wike’s public conduct both in Rivers State and Abuja,” the statement read.

The Atiku media team also urged Wike and his supporters to move beyond personal grievances and focus on rebuilding the PDP and Nigeria.