Atiku Speaks Out: Why He Didn’t Pick Wike As Running Mate

Atiku Stands Firm on His Decision Amid PDP Turmoil

Let me tell you something, folks. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has finally opened up about his decision not to select Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as his running mate in the 2023 election. And guess what? He’s standing firm on his choice, saying he has zero regrets about it. This revelation comes at a time when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with internal turmoil, and Atiku’s decision has been under the microscope for quite some time now.

In a candid interview for the upcoming episode of the television show "Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie," which is set to premiere today but was leaked to Daily Trust, Atiku dives deep into the leadership crisis within the PDP that followed his choice. It’s not just a political story; it’s a tale of strategy, loyalty, and, yes, some drama.

The Speculation Surrounding Atiku’s Loss

Now, here’s the kicker: many political analysts have speculated that Atiku’s decision to overlook Wike might have contributed to his loss in the 2023 election. You see, Wike wasn’t just any governor; he was leading a rebellion within the PDP, alongside five other governors. And if that wasn’t enough, Wike later admitted to actively working against Atiku, delivering Rivers State to President Bola Tinubu. It’s a move that shocked many and left Atiku’s supporters questioning the wisdom of his choice.

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So, when asked during the interview if he regretted not picking Wike, Atiku didn’t hesitate for a second. “No, not at all,” he firmly stated. It’s clear that Atiku is sticking to his guns, and he’s got a pretty compelling reason for doing so.

Atiku’s Decision-Making Process: A Closer Look

Atiku’s decision wasn’t made in a vacuum. He explained that it was rooted in the process followed within the party. Let’s rewind to 2019 for a moment. Back then, Atiku faced heavy criticism for allegedly failing to consult widely when he selected Peter Obi as his running mate. It was a lesson learned the hard way, and Atiku wasn’t about to repeat the same mistake in 2023.

After securing the PDP ticket in Port Harcourt, Atiku did what any seasoned politician would do—he consulted the bigwigs. One of those consultations was with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a man whose advice carries a lot of weight in Nigerian politics. Obasanjo suggested that Atiku pick a running mate from the South-East instead of the South-West. Names like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Charles Soludo were thrown around, but there was one problem—they weren’t members of the PDP.

Eventually, Atiku chose Peter Obi, a member of the party, who was also recommended by Obasanjo. After consulting with party leaders and governors, including Wike and Aminu Tambuwal, Atiku was assured that there were no objections to Obi being chosen as his running mate. However, the criticism followed him, and he was once again accused of not consulting enough within the party.

2023: A New Approach to Selecting a Running Mate

This time around, Atiku decided to do things differently. He gave the party more involvement in the selection process, asking them to set up a committee to recommend three possible running mates. It was a strategic move aimed at ensuring that the decision was not just his but a collective effort by the party.

According to Atiku, the committee came back with three names: Ifeanyi Okowa as the first choice, Wike as the second, and Udom Emmanuel as the third. Atiku opted for the first choice, Okowa, explaining that his decision not to choose Wike was simply because he was the second choice on the list. It’s a straightforward explanation, but in the world of politics, things are rarely that simple.

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As Atiku continues to reflect on his political journey, one thing is clear: his decisions, whether applauded or criticized, have always been guided by a deep sense of strategy and consultation. And as the PDP navigates its current challenges, Atiku’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of Nigerian politics.