Atiku Explains Choice of Running Mate, Citing Party Committee Rankings

Former Vice President reveals the internal process behind his 2023 decision amid lingering tensions with Minister Wike.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has disclosed why he did not select Nyesom Wike a former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister as his running mate in the 2023 presidential race.

Atiku, made this know in a recent interview with the program Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie,

Reflecting on past criticism regarding his approach in 2019 when he chose Peter Obi without extensive party consultation, Atiku explained that he took a different route in 2023. “I decided to involve the party this time by forming a committee to recommend three potential candidates for the deputy position,” he stated.

According to Atiku, the committee proposed three names in order of preference: the top recommendation was former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, followed by Wike, and then former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel. “I went with the first suggestion, which is why I did not choose Wike,” he clarified, noting that being the second option was the sole reason behind his decision.

The former Vice President, who has campaigned for the presidency six times, emphasized that he harbors no regrets over his decision not to pick Wike.