The Atiku Media Office has issued a strongly worded press release in response to claims made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, regarding the selection process of the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The statement, signed by the Atiku Media Office, described Wike’s recent remarks as an “emotional outburst disguised as a press statement,” reiterating that the choice of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate was a strategic decision, not a popularity contest.
The controversy stems from Wike’s claim, through his spokesperson Lere Olayinka, that he had secured 13 votes from a committee set up to recommend a vice-presidential candidate, while Okowa had only two. In its rebuttal, the Atiku camp clarified that such committee recommendations are merely advisory and do not bind the presidential candidate.
“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?” the statement queried. It emphasized that leadership is about temperament, dignity, and the ability to unify, not just numbers.
The Atiku Media Office also took a swipe at Wike’s political conduct, stating that his behavior as Rivers State Governor and now as FCT Minister has only reinforced why he was unsuitable for the vice-presidential role.
Furthermore, the statement cautioned Wike and his team against using the sacred periods of Ramadan and Lent for political attacks. “We urge Mr. Wike and his social media spokesperson to resist the temptation to sermonize about religious piety while simultaneously fanning the flames of discord.”
The press release concluded with a call to focus on the larger task of rebuilding the PDP and Nigeria as a whole, urging political actors to move beyond personal grievances for the greater good of the country.
