Wike vows to ensure Atiku’s failure in future presidential bids

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to prevent former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar from achieving his presidential ambitions.

In a statement released on Wednesday through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike made it clear that he holds no regrets over Atiku’s decision not to select him as his running mate during the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election.

Atiku, in a recent interview with Adesina Giwa-Osagie, reiterated that he had “no regrets” about bypassing Wike for the vice-presidential slot.

He defended his choice, stating that the PDP had set up a committee to recommend three names, with former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa emerging as the top pick.

Wike came in second, and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel was ranked third.

Atiku explained that his decision to pick Okowa was in line with the committee’s recommendation. “They said I did not consult widely in 2019 when I picked Peter Obi as my running mate, so in 2023, I told the party to set up a committee to recommend three names,” Atiku said. “So, I picked number one.”

However, Wike’s camp has shown no sign of backing down. Olayinka responded in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing that Wike has no regrets about losing the vice-presidential slot to Okowa.

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He also emphasized that Wike would continue to work towards ensuring Atiku’s failure, both in the 2023 election and in any future presidential aspirations.

“Two years after making the @OfficialPDPNig lose a presidential election it could have won, @atiku is giving reasons he did not pick @GovWike as his running mate and that he has no regrets. Someone should tell our serial presidential election contender that Wike also has no regret for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again,” Olayinka posted.

The rift between Atiku and Wike dates back to the 2022 PDP primaries when Wike expected to be compensated with the vice-presidential slot, only for Atiku to select Okowa instead.

The ongoing feud continues to shape the dynamics within the PDP as both figures trade barbs over their respective roles in the party’s recent electoral struggles.