“Leadership Requires Intellect, Composure, and Statesmanship—Wike Lacks All” – Atiku on Choosing Okowa as VP in 2023

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has provided fresh insight into why he chose former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate instead of Nyesom Wike. He cited Wike’s alleged shortcomings in character and leadership temperament as key reasons for his decision.

In a statement issued by his media office on Saturday, Atiku dismissed Wike’s repeated claims that he was unfairly overlooked despite securing majority support from a committee set up to recommend a vice-presidential candidate. He emphasized that the selection process was not a mere popularity contest but a strategic and constitutional decision that rested solely with the presidential candidate.

“Atiku Abubakar made his decision based on intellect, composure, and statesmanship—qualities essential for a vice president. Unfortunately, Wike lacks all,” the statement read. It further explained that while committees and consultations play advisory roles, they do not override the presidential candidate’s discretion in selecting a running mate best suited for national leadership.

The statement also addressed Wike’s assertion that he secured 13 votes from the committee while Okowa received only two, arguing that leadership goes beyond numbers. “Even if Wike had 13 votes and Okowa had only two, the real question is: what is the worth of those votes if character scores a zero?” it stated.

Atiku’s camp pointed to Wike’s public behavior both as Rivers State Governor and in his current role as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as evidence that vindicates the choice of Okowa. They accused Wike of displaying traits that undermine unity rather than fostering it, asserting that the PDP needed leadership that could unify rather than divide.

The statement also took issue with Wike’s media team for allegedly using religious observances like Ramadan and Lent to push political narratives. “We urge Wike and his social media spokespersons to resist the temptation to sermonize about religious piety while simultaneously fanning the flames of discord. Sacred periods should not be reduced to tools for petty political jabs,” it added.

Atiku’s team reiterated the need for party unity and national focus, calling on all PDP members to move past personal grievances and work toward rebuilding the party and the country. They stressed that the 2023 elections were over and that the priority should now be on addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges rather than revisiting past political decisions.