Wike Vows to Oppose Atiku’s Presidential Ambitions, Says No Regrets Over VP Snub

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that he will continue to oppose former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s future presidential ambitions, asserting he has no regrets about being passed over for the vice-presidential slot in 2023.

Wike’s remarks come in response to Atiku’s recent statement that he had “no regrets” selecting Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election. Atiku explained that a PDP committee had ranked Okowa as the preferred choice, leading to his decision.

In a swift reaction, Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, dismissed Atiku’s comments. He insisted that just as he played a role in Atiku’s defeat in the 2023 election, he would ensure that Atiku fails again in any future presidential bid.

The rift between the two prominent politicians has been ongoing since the lead-up to the 2023 elections. Wike, a key member of the G5 — a group of five aggrieved PDP governors — openly opposed Atiku’s candidacy after losing the vice-presidential race to Okowa. The G5 argued that power should shift to the South, accusing Atiku and the PDP leadership of marginalizing southern interests.

Wike’s stance contributed to deep divisions within the party, ultimately affecting Atiku’s performance at the polls. The fallout between the two figures has continued to shape political dynamics within the PDP, with Wike remaining vocal about his discontent.

As political maneuvering ahead of future elections begins to take shape, Wike’s latest comments underscore that the animosity between him and Atiku is far from over. The FCT Minister has made it clear that he intends to remain a formidable obstacle to Atiku’s political ambitions, signaling further turbulence within the PDP’s ranks.