Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, has responded to a recent statement issued by the media aide of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, dismissing it as another emotionally charged distortion of facts.
Atiku in a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, rebuked Wike’s claims regarding the 2023 vice presidential selection process, asserting that leadership is not merely a numbers game but a test of character.
Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, had alleged that the ex-Rivers governor secured 13 votes in a committee tasked with recommending a running mate, while the eventual pick, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, received only two.
However, Atiku’s camp clarified that such committees serve only an advisory role, with the final decision constitutionally resting with the presidential candidate. “What value do 13 votes hold if the candidate in question scores zero in character?”, the statement retorted.
The statement read in part:
“While we understand that bitterness often finds expression in misplaced aggression, we must remind Mr. Wike and his team that a bitter heart isn’t capable 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 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.
“We have 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.
“We urge Mr. 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!”, Ibe concluded.
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