The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, stating that he has no regrets over not being chosen as his running mate in the 2023 election and vowing to oppose his future presidential ambitions.
Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike dismissed Atiku’s recent remarks about the vice-presidential selection process, insisting that he remains resolute in his stance against the former vice president.
Atiku, in an interview with Adesina Giwa-Osagie, had said he had “no regrets” over his decision to bypass Wike for the vice-presidential slot, instead opting for former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
He explained that the choice was based on recommendations from a PDP committee.
“They said I did not consult widely in 2019 when I picked Peter Obi as my running mate, so in 2023, I told the party to set up a committee to recommend three names,” Atiku stated.
According to him, the committee ranked Okowa as the preferred choice, with Wike in second place and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel in third.
“So I picked number one,” Atiku added.
In reaction, Olayinka, posting on X, reiterated that Wike harbored no regrets over the decision, asserting that the former Rivers governor played a role in Atiku’s electoral defeat and would continue to ensure his failure in future contests.
“Two years after making the @OfficialPDPNig lose a presidential election it could have won, @atiku is giving reasons he did not pick @GovWike as his running mate and that he has no regrets.
“Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike also has no regret for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again,” Olayinka wrote.
DAILY GAZETTE recall that the rift between Wike and Atiku dates back to the 2022 PDP primaries, where Wike, after losing the ticket, had expected to be compensated with the vice-presidential slot.
However, Atiku’s decision to choose Okowa deepened the division within the party, contributing to tensions that linger to date.
