Atiku Vs. Wike: A Heated Exchange Over PDP's 2023 Vice Presidential Pick

Atiku Accuses Wike of Character Deficiencies Amid Vice Presidential Controversy

Let me tell you what's been going on in Nigerian politics—it’s drama, folks, and it’s heating up. The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has taken a swing at Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Atiku is accusing Wike of lacking the kind of character you'd expect from someone in his position. This all comes after Wike accused Atiku of lying during Ramadan about how the PDP selected its vice-presidential candidate for the 2023 elections.

Now, here's the backstory. Naija News reported that Atiku didn’t mince words when responding to Wike’s allegations. According to Atiku, a PDP committee ranked Ifeanyi Okowa, the former governor of Delta State, as the top choice for the party’s VP spot. Wike, on the other hand, came in second, with Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom, trailing in third. Atiku said he picked Okowa based on the committee’s recommendation, but Wike’s camp fired back hard, saying the numbers don’t add up.

Wike's Team Pushes Back: Numbers Don’t Lie

In a fiery response, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, slammed Atiku’s claims, questioning how someone with only two votes could be ranked higher than someone with 13 votes. But Atiku wasn’t backing down. In a statement from his media office in Abuja, he hit back with a sharp critique, titled “Learning Without Character Is Equal To Zero.” Atiku argued that no matter how many votes someone gets, if they lack good conduct and humility, those numbers are meaningless.

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He pointed a finger at Wike, saying his recent actions in Rivers State have shown why he wasn’t the right choice for the VP slot. Atiku suggested that Wike’s behavior has been divisive, and that’s not what the PDP—or Nigeria—needs right now.

The Statement That Set the Record Straight

The statement from Atiku’s office was clear and unapologetic. It read, “We understand bitterness often leads to misplaced aggression, but Mr. Wike needs to realize that a bitter heart doesn’t inspire unity or truth.” Atiku went on to stress that the selection process for a running mate isn’t a popularity contest. Committees make recommendations, but the final call is up to the presidential candidate. He reminded everyone that leadership isn’t just about numbers—it’s about temperament, dignity, and the ability to bring people together.

Atiku’s team made it crystal clear that they stand by their decision to choose Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate. They praised Okowa for his intellect, composure, and statesmanship. Meanwhile, Atiku criticized Wike’s public conduct, pointing out incidents in Rivers State and Abuja that highlighted why he wasn’t the right fit for the VP role.

Atiku also urged Wike to focus on the bigger picture. He said, “Let’s not reduce sacred periods like Ramadan and Lent to tools for petty political jabs. We need to move beyond bruised egos and focus on what truly matters: the future of Nigeria and the wellbeing of its people.”

This back-and-forth between Atiku and Wike shows just how intense the political landscape in Nigeria is right now. As the dust settles, it’s clear that both sides are digging in, and the stakes are higher than ever. The real question is: can the PDP put aside its differences and unite for the greater good of the nation?