Wike Explains Why He Opposed Atiku In 2023

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed the real reason behind his strong opposition to Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid in 2023. Wike clarified that his decision was based entirely on principles, rejecting claims that his opposition stemmed from being overlooked as Atiku’s running mate.

In addition to his continuous advocacy for power rotation, Wike argued that Atiku was not a trustworthy politician. “I wanted power rotation. I couldn’t imagine that after eight years of Buhari, power would go back to the North. It wasn’t about whether he picked me or not; it was about principle. Making that decision was difficult, but I had to make it. After considering everything, I concluded that Atiku was not an option, so he was a no-go area,” Wike stated.

The former Governor of Rivers State emphasized that the main reason for his opposition was Atiku’s lack of integrity. “From day one, I told my delegates that you must know one thing: Atiku doesn’t keep his promises,” Wike explained.

Recalling how Atiku, Saraki, and Secondus allegedly deceived him in 2019, Wike said he knew from the start that Atiku wouldn’t choose him as his running mate. He added that he had never trusted the former Vice President’s word.

“I can tell you exactly what happened. In 2019, Atiku, Saraki, and Secondus came to me saying I would nominate the Attorney General and the Minister of Petroleum. But when we lost the election, the person who was supposed to nominate the Attorney General didn’t even know when the legal team was formed. I watched it on TV, and then I called Saraki. You people said I would bring the Attorney General, but you’ve already formed a legal team.

“I’ve known from day one that Atiku would never keep his word. I’ve never relied on that, and I wouldn’t take his word to the bank,” Wike concluded.