Choice of PDP running mate strategic not popularity contest – Atiku tells Wike

…says leadership is about temperament, dignity, ability to unify

By Tunde Opalana

The choice of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa ahead of Barrister Nyesom Wike as running mate to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 resonates over the weekend as both Wike and Atiku camps biker.

Wike had on Friday vowed to continue frustrating Atiku’s presidential ambition if he chose to contest again in 2027.

This was consequent upon an earlier statement last week in which Atiku explained his choice of Okowa, former governor of Delta State over Wike who was then governor of Rivers State.

In a sharp reaction to Wike’s claim of manipulation of the process culminating in the choice of PDP’s running mate, the Atiku media office accused Wike and his media aide of twisting the fact surrounding the selection process.

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In a statement titled “Learning Without Character Is Equal To Zero”, issued by Paul Ibe, the media team of the former vice president described Lere Olayinka’s statement on behalf of Wike as “another emotional outburst disguised as a press statement”.

“Once again, facts have been twisted in a desperate attempt to rewrite history. Mr. Wike, through his spokesperson, claims that he had 13 votes from a committee set up to recommend a vice presidential running mate, while Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa had only two.

“Let us be clear: there are no laid down rules or laws on the selection process of a running mate. Committees, consultations, and recommendations are advisory in nature.

“The final decision rests solely and exclusively with the presidential candidate, in this case, Atiku Abubakar. It is a constitutional and strategic choice, not a popularity contest.

“Assuming, but not conceding that Wike had 13 votes and Okowa had 2 — just like universities confer degrees “in learning and in character” — one must ask: what is the worth of votes if character scores a zero?

“Leadership is not only about numbers; it is about temperament, dignity, and the ability to unify. A man may boast of numbers, but if his conduct lacks grace and humility, those numbers are empty.

“We make no apologies for choosing Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate in 2023. That decision was based on a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship,” the statement read.

The statement further claimed that the Atiku’s camp has been vindicated by Mr. Wike’s public conduct in Rivers State where he once served as governor and in Abuja since becoming FCT Minister, “which has made it abundantly clear why he was unsuitable for the role of Vice President in a ticket meant to unify, not divide.”

The Atiku’s camp urged Wike and his social media spokesperson “to resist the temptation to sermonize about religious piety during Ramadan and Lent, too, while simultaneously fanning the flames of discord. Let us not reduce sacred periods to a tool for petty political jabs.

“The task of rebuilding our party and our nation is a serious one. It is time to move beyond bruised egos and focus on what truly matters: the future of Nigeria and the wellbeing of its people! “