Why I did not choose Wike as running mate – Atiku breaks silence

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed the reason behind his decision not to select Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview for Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Atiku stated that his choice was based on a consultative process involving the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His decision not to pick Wike played a key role in the internal crisis that later divided the party, as Wike, then the governor of Rivers State, led the G5 group of governors in opposition to Atiku’s candidacy. The group accused the PDP leadership of unfairness and refused to support him.

During the election, Wike openly worked against Atiku, claiming he played a role in delivering Rivers State to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Political analysts believe this contributed to Atiku’s defeat. However, Atiku insists he has no regrets about his decision.

He recalled that in 2019, after winning the PDP presidential ticket, he consulted former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who advised him to pick his running mate from the South-East. Obasanjo suggested Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Charles Soludo, but Atiku pointed out that neither was a PDP member. Eventually, Peter Obi was chosen, a decision Atiku said was agreed upon by key party leaders, including Wike.

Despite this, some party members later accused him of not consulting widely enough. To avoid similar complaints in 2023, Atiku said he left the decision to the party, asking a committee to recommend three candidates. The committee ranked Ifeanyi Okowa as the first choice, followed by Wike and Udom Emmanuel. Atiku ultimately selected Okowa, emphasizing that Wike was simply not the top choice on the list.