Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has responded to the criticism surrounding his choice of Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate instead of Nyesom Wike.
Atiku clarified that he rejected Wike due to concerns that the former Rivers State Governor was unsuitable for a ticket meant to promote unity.
In a statement issued by his media office on Saturday, Atiku reaffirmed that Okowa’s selection was based on his intellect, composure, and statesmanship. The former vice president reiterated in a recent interview that he had no regrets about his choice.
Atiku explained that a committee had presented three possible candidates for the vice-presidential role: Okowa, Wike, and Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State. He added that Okowa’s overall performance made him the strongest candidate for the position.
In response, Wike dismissed Atiku’s comments through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, stating that he had no regrets about not being chosen as the running mate. Wike also claimed he had played a key role in Atiku’s 2023 defeat and vowed to repeat that outcome in 2027.
Atiku responded sharply, emphasizing that leadership is not solely about numbers but about character, humility, and the ability to unite. He remarked, “Numbers are meaningless without good conduct and humility.”
Atiku’s media office further addressed Wike’s claims about a committee vote, in which Wike allegedly received 13 votes while Okowa only had 2. The statement clarified that the final decision was Atiku’s, and committee recommendations were simply advisory, not binding.
The statement also underscored that Okowa’s selection was a strategic one to promote unity, noting that Wike’s conduct in Rivers State and his tenure as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) further demonstrated why he was not a suitable choice for vice president.
Atiku called on Wike to refrain from politicizing religious periods like Ramadan and Lent, urging him instead to focus on the country’s unity and the well-being of its citizens.
