The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister’s office has issued a statement refuting claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar about the selection process for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, described Atiku’s assertions as false and misleading.
Atiku had previously stated that a committee formed by the PDP ranked Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Governor of Delta State, as its top choice for the vice-presidential role, with Wike in second place. He claimed that he based his decision to nominate Okowa on this ranking.
In response, Olayinka highlighted discrepancies in Atiku’s claims, emphasising that Okowa received only two votes while Wike garnered thirteen.
“It is unfortunate that Atiku could not respect the Holy Month of Ramadan and chose to propagate falsehoods,” Olayinka said in a statement released on Saturday.
He further clarified that Wike did not initially seek the vice-presidential candidacy but accepted Atiku’s offer with conditions. “The committee set up by the PDP picked Wike as Atiku’s running mate, but for reasons best known to him, he settled for Okowa, who had two votes from the committee members,” Olayinka asserted.
Olayinka also referenced the significance of the Ramadan period, stating that it is a time for truthfulness and integrity. He quoted a saying of the Prophet Mohammed, emphasising the importance of honesty, particularly during this holy month. “Unfortunately, Atiku chose to tell lies so brazenly during Ramadan, obviously forgetting that Allah does not heed the prayers of liars,” he remarked.
While advising Atiku to be honest about his decisions, Olayinka asserted that Wike has no regrets regarding the outcome of the 2023 presidential election or Atiku’s choice of running mate.
This statement from the FCTA encapsulates ongoing tensions within the PDP and highlights the complexities surrounding the party’s decisions leading up to the last election.
