Atiku stands firm: No regrets over Okowa as running mate

Fatikuormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that he has no apologies for nominating former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate during the 2023 presidential election.

In a statement issued by his media office, the former Vice President asserted that he has instead been vindicated for not selecting the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as his running mate, given the minister’s recent activities in both Rivers State and the FCT.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Atiku Media Office has been drawn to yet another emotional outburst, disguised as a press statement, from the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, issued by his aide, Lere Olayinka.

“While we understand that bitterness often finds expression in misplaced aggression, we must remind Mr Wike and his team that a bitter heart is incapable of charity, nor does it inspire unity, healing, or truth.

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

“Let us be clear: there are no established rules or laws governing the selection process of a running mate. Committees, consultations, and recommendations are merely 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 secured 13 votes and Okowa had two—just as universities confer degrees based on both ‘learning and character’—one must ask: what is the value of votes if character scores zero?

“Leadership is not solely 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 meaningless.

“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.

“We have been vindicated by Mr Wike’s public conduct in Rivers State, where he once served as governor, and in Abuja since assuming office as FCT Minister. His actions have made it abundantly clear why he was unsuitable for the role of Vice President on a ticket meant to unify, not divide.

“We urge Mr Wike and his social media spokesperson to resist the temptation to sermonise about religious piety during Ramadan and Lent while simultaneously fanning the flames of discord. Let us not reduce sacred periods to tools 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 well-being of its people.”