Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of misrepresenting facts about the selection of a running mate for the 2023 Presidential election.
In a statement on Saturday, Olayinka dismissed Atiku’s claim that the committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had ranked former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the top choice for the Vice-Presidential position. According to Atiku, the committee placed Okowa first, Wike second, and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel third, which led him to choose Okowa as his running mate.
However, Olayinka rejected this narrative, stating that the committee overwhelmingly supported Wike with 13 votes, compared to Okowa’s two. He also criticized Atiku for making such claims during Ramadan, citing an Islamic teaching that condemns falsehood.
“Al-Bukhari (1903, 6057) quoted Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) as saying that Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: ‘Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) has no need of him giving up his food and drink,’” Olayinka quoted.
He further stated, “Atiku chose to lie so brazenly during Ramadan, forgetting that Allah (SWT) does not listen to the prayers of liars. This could explain why he has failed repeatedly in his quest to become president of Nigeria.”
Olayinka clarified that the PDP committee had chosen Wike as Atiku’s running mate, but for reasons unknown to him, Atiku opted for Okowa, who received just two votes. “That’s the truth Atiku should admit, instead of covering it with falsehood,” Olayinka said.
Olayinka also emphasized that despite the controversy, Wike had no regrets about Atiku’s decision. “Wike never pushed to be a running mate. Atiku proposed it, and Wike accepted under certain conditions. Regardless, Wike has moved on from the 2023 election and stands by every decision he made,” he concluded.