The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claim regarding the selection process of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate for the 2023 election.
Olayinka described Atiku’s statement as false, stating that it was unfortunate for him to make such claims during the holy month of Ramadan.
He questioned how a candidate who received only two votes, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, could have been ranked as the committee’s first choice over Nyesom Wike, who secured 13 votes.
Atiku had claimed, “So in 2023, I told the party to set up a committee to recommend three names. The committee ranked Okowa as the top choice, with Wike in second place and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel in third. So I picked number one.”
In response, Olayinka issued a statement on Saturday insisting that Wike never put himself forward to be Atiku’s running mate, but rather Atiku personally made the offer, which Wike accepted with conditions. He maintained that the PDP committee’s report clearly indicated Wike as the preferred choice, with Okowa receiving only two votes.
“The committee set up by the PDP picked Wike as Atiku’s running mate, but for reasons best known to him, he settled for Okowa, who had only two votes from the committee members. That’s the truth Atiku should tell and stand with, not trying to colour his decision with falsehood,” Olayinka stated.
Referencing Islamic teachings, Olayinka criticized Atiku for allegedly telling lies during Ramadan, quoting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the consequences of false speech. He suggested that Atiku’s continued failure to win the Nigerian presidency could be linked to his dishonesty.
While emphasizing that Wike had moved past the events of the 2023 election, Olayinka urged Atiku to stand by his decisions and refrain from rewriting history. He added that Wike harbors no regrets about not being chosen as Atiku’s running mate and remains steadfast in his political stance.
“Like I said earlier, Wike has no regret for Atiku not picking him as his running mate and he also has no regret taking the position he took concerning the presidential election,” Olayinka concluded.
