ABUJA, Nigeria – Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has escalated his ongoing feud with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, vowing to ensure Atiku’s future presidential ambitions are unsuccessful. This declaration comes in response to Atiku’s recent assertion that he has “no regrets” for not selecting Wike as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, dismissed Atiku’s remarks, stating that he harbors no remorse for the outcome of the 2023 election, where Atiku ultimately lost.
The contentious relationship between the two PDP figures stems from the 2022 PDP presidential primaries, where Wike felt he was overlooked for the vice-presidential slot. Atiku instead chose former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
In a recent interview, Atiku defended his decision, citing a party-appointed committee’s recommendation that ranked Okowa as the top choice, with Wike second and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel third. “So I picked number one,” Atiku stated.
Olayinka, responding via social media platform X, countered Atiku’s claims, asserting that Wike is equally resolute in ensuring Atiku’s future electoral failures. “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,” Olayinka wrote. “Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike also has no regret for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again.”
The exchange underscores the deepening rift within the PDP and sets the stage for potentially turbulent future political engagements.
Wike Vows to Thwart Atiku’s Future Presidential Bids, Dismisses Regret Over VP Snub
