Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained why he did not choose former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
Wike, who lost the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket to Atiku, was widely expected to be selected as his deputy. However, Atiku opted for former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa instead.
Many party members believe this decision sparked the ongoing rift between Atiku and Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking in an upcoming interview on Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, set to air on Wednesday, Atiku recalled being criticized for not consulting widely before selecting Peter Obi as his running mate in 2019.
“They said I did not consult the party enough. So in 2023, I left it to the party. I told them, ‘Set up a committee and recommend three names for me to choose from,’” Atiku explained.
The committee reportedly presented three candidates: Ifeanyi Okowa as the first choice, Wike as the second, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel as the third.
“So, I picked number one,” Atiku stated, emphasizing that Wike was not selected simply because he was the second choice.
Despite the controversy surrounding his decision, Atiku, who has contested the presidency six times, said he has no regrets.
“No, not at all,” he affirmed.