The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating that it is too late for him to acquire the character and integrity he allegedly lacked from birth.
Wike argued that no one understood Atiku better than former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under whom he served as Vice President for eight years.
This statement was conveyed through Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, in response to remarks from the Atiku Media Office. The media team had suggested that Atiku’s character was the reason a committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to select a Vice Presidential candidate for the 2023 election did not favor Wike.
Olayinka countered by claiming that Atiku is not known for possessing strong character and integrity, citing Obasanjo’s book, My Watch, as evidence. He further alleged that Wike initially rejected Atiku’s offer to be his running mate due to concerns about his integrity, only reconsidering after being persuaded by others. According to Olayinka, Atiku later disregarded the committee’s recommendation, which had reportedly favored former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate, despite publicly stating he would abide by their decision.
The aide also referenced a passage from Obasanjo’s book, where the former president allegedly described Atiku as having a “shadowy” background, a “propensity to corruption,” and a tendency to prioritize personal interests over national interests. Olayinka noted that Atiku has never refuted these claims.
In contrast, he portrayed Wike as a leader who is forthright about his positions and does not shy away from making clear political stances. He criticized Atiku for allegedly deleting social media posts on sensitive issues and accused him of being inconsistent in his political decisions.
As political alignments continue to shift ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions within the PDP and signal potential challenges for Atiku should he seek another presidential bid. The rift between the two politicians underscores deeper divisions within the party, which may influence its strategy and leadership choices in the coming years.
