From Moshood Karim
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has strongly refuted claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar about his 2023 running mate selection process.
Olayinka’s response follows Atiku’s assertion that he chose Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as his vice-presidential candidate based on recommendations from a selection committee established by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement released to Uptown Press NG on Sunday, Olayinka condemned Atiku’s comments, labelling them as “lies” intended to cover up his previous missteps. He further insisted that the FCT Minister, Wike, had no interest in being Atiku’s running mate due to the significant “baggage” Atiku carried, adding that there was no regret in working against the former vice president’s campaign in the 2023 presidential election.
Olayinka’s statement also challenged Atiku’s handling of the selection process for the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate, accusing the former presidential candidate of disregarding the committee’s report. He stated, “Atiku picked his running mate based on personal preference, not the party’s recommendation. His attempt to justify this with claims of the selection process being solely at his discretion is an admission that he did not adhere to the party’s guidelines.”
Atiku’s media office had previously argued that there were no formal rules governing the running mate selection process and that the decision ultimately lay with the presidential candidate. This, Olayinka contended, further confirmed that Atiku had not followed PDP’s recommended procedure, and he criticised him for using “face-saving” tactics to excuse his actions.
Olayinka went on to emphasise that the issue was not about personal grievances but about Atiku’s lack of transparency and honesty. “It is clear now that Atiku lied about his decision-making process,” he remarked.
“That he chose to do so during the Holy Month of Ramadan is a matter between him and his conscience.”
He also pointed out that while Atiku had no regrets over his running mate choices in the 2019 and 2023 elections, Wike similarly stood by his own decisions without any bitterness or ill-will. “There is no personal animosity here,” Olayinka said. “It’s simply a matter of making choices—ones that Atiku must own up to, without trying to distort the truth.”
Olayinka concluded by urging Atiku to clarify his allegiance to the PDP, stressing that the party’s future depended on honesty and a clear direction. “Atiku’s continued attempts to align with any party that will have him only add to PDP’s uncertainty and internal divisions,” he stated.
The ongoing public disagreement highlights the widening rift within the PDP, as both Atiku and Wike continue to stake claims over their roles and decisions during the 2023 election cycle.
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