“Wike Never Sought to Be Atiku’s Running Mate, Atiku Lied” Says FCT Minister’s Aide

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Lere Olayinka, has dismissed as false the recent claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding the selection of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate for the 2023 election.

In a statement released on Saturday, Olayinka refuted Atiku’s assertion that a committee set up by the PDP ranked former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as the top choice for the vice-presidential slot. According to Atiku, the committee placed Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in second place, while former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, was ranked third.

However, Olayinka stressed that this account is misleading and claimed that Wike never aspired to be Atiku’s running mate in the first place. He asserted that the committee’s report actually gave Wike 13 votes, while Okowa secured only two. Despite this, Atiku chose Okowa, a decision that Olayinka said Atiku should own without distorting the facts.

“It is unfortunate that Atiku could not respect the holy month of Ramadan by refraining from falsehood. How could a committee present someone with two votes as the top choice over someone who garnered 13 votes?” Olayinka queried.

Citing a hadith from Al-Bukhari, Olayinka remarked that Muslims consider Ramadan a time of truth and holiness, adding that spreading false information during this period is especially deplorable. He further stated that Wike accepted Atiku’s offer to be his running mate, but only on specific conditions.

Olayinka emphasized that Minister Wike harbors no regrets over not being picked as Atiku’s running mate, nor does he regret the stance he took regarding the 2023 presidential election. He added that Wike remains unbothered by what transpired, as his focus has moved beyond the election.

The statement concluded by advising Atiku to embrace honesty and take responsibility for his decisions rather than attempting to rewrite the narrative with false claims.