Nyesom Wike (L) and Abubakar Fubara (R)

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has broken his silence on his decision to overlook Nyesom Wike as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, stating that he has no regrets about the choice.

In an interview obtained by the Daily Trust, Atiku explained that Wike was simply the second choice in the selection process, which led him to pick Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa instead.

Atiku detailed the process behind his selection, emphasising that he wanted a more consultative approach in 2023 compared to 2019 when he picked Peter Obi without broad consultation. He recalled that after securing the PDP ticket in Port Harcourt, he sought advice from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who suggested a running mate from the southeast. However, the names initially proposed—Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Charles Soludo—were not PDP members. Ultimately, he chose Peter Obi after wider consultations.

Learning from past criticisms, Atiku said he allowed the PDP to play a larger role in selecting his 2023 running mate. A party committee was set up, which recommended three names: Okowa as the first choice, Wike as the second, and Udom Emmanuel as the third. Sticking to the committee’s ranking, Atiku opted for Okowa.

Many political analysts believe Atiku’s decision contributed to the crisis in the PDP, as Wike led a rebellion against him alongside five other governors. Wike later admitted to working against Atiku, delivering Rivers State for President Bola Tinubu.

Despite this, Atiku remains steadfast in his decision, insisting that he followed due process and had no reason to regret not choosing Wike as his running mate.