The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of lacking the character required for leadership.
Atiku’s remarks came in response to Wike’s claim that he was not truthful about the process leading to the selection of the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2023 election. Wike had alleged that Atiku’s account of the selection process, particularly regarding the ranking of candidates, was misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Media Aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike refuted Atiku’s assertion that a PDP committee had ranked former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as the top choice for the vice-presidential slot. Atiku had stated that Wike was ranked second, while former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, was placed third. He maintained that his decision to choose Okowa was based on the committee’s recommendation.
However, Olayinka dismissed Atiku’s claim, arguing that Wike had secured 13 votes from the committee, while Okowa only had two, making it illogical to suggest that Okowa was the preferred choice.
In response, Atiku’s Media Office released a statement in Abuja titled, “Learning Without Character Is Equal To Zero,” in which the former Vice President defended his decision and criticized Wike’s approach to leadership.
The statement read: “The attention of the Atiku Media Office has been drawn to yet another emotional outburst disguised as a press statement from the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, issued by his aide, Lere Olayinka.
“While we understand that bitterness often finds expression in misplaced aggression, we must remind Mr. Wike and his team that a bitter heart isn’t capable of charity, nor does it inspire unity, healing, or truth.
“Once again, facts have been twisted in a desperate attempt to rewrite history. Mr. Wike, through his spokesperson, claims that he had 13 votes from a committee set up to recommend a vice-presidential running mate, while Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa had only two. Let us be clear: there are no laid-down rules or laws on the selection process of a running mate. Committees, consultations, and recommendations are advisory in nature. The final decision rests solely with the presidential candidate, in this case, Atiku Abubakar. It is a constitutional and strategic choice, not a popularity contest.
“Assuming, but not conceding, that Wike had 13 votes and Okowa had two—just as universities confer degrees based on ‘learning and character’—one must ask: what is the worth of votes if character scores a zero? Leadership is not only about numbers; it is about temperament, dignity, and the ability to unify. A man may boast of numbers, but if his conduct lacks grace and humility, those numbers are meaningless.
“We make no apologies for choosing Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate in 2023. That decision was based on a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship.
“We have been vindicated by Mr. Wike’s public conduct in Rivers State, where he once served as governor, and in Abuja since becoming FCT Minister. His actions have made it abundantly clear why he was unsuitable for the role of Vice President in a ticket meant to unify, not divide.
“We urge Mr. Wike and his social media spokesperson to resist the temptation to sermonize about religious piety during Ramadan and Lent while simultaneously fanning the flames of discord. Let us not reduce sacred periods to a tool for petty political jabs.
“The task of rebuilding our party and our nation is a serious one. It is time to move beyond bruised egos and focus on what truly matters: the future of Nigeria and the well-being of its people.”
The ongoing dispute highlights the lingering tensions within the PDP, as key figures continue to debate the events surrounding the 2023 elections and the future direction of the party.
