Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of dishonesty regarding the selection of his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.
In a statement released on Sunday, Olayinka asserted that Atiku misrepresented the process by claiming he chose former Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa based on recommendations from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) selection committee. Olayinka emphasized that Atiku’s decision was personal and did not align with the committee’s report.
“The release of the committee’s report has set the records straight, revealing that Atiku did not adhere to the PDP’s selection committee recommendations. He simply picked who he wanted, not who the party preferred,” Olayinka stated.
He further criticized Atiku’s media office for attempting to justify the selection process, highlighting a statement that said, “There were 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.” Olayinka interpreted this as an admission that Atiku disregarded the party’s counsel.
Olayinka reiterated that Minister Wike had no interest in being Atiku’s running mate due to Atiku’s “enormous baggage” and expressed no regret in opposing him during the 2023 election. He emphasized that both Atiku and Wike made their choices and should accept the outcomes without attempting to rewrite history.
“No one harbors personal ill feelings against Atiku for his choices, and likewise, no one should resent Wike for his decisions. It’s a matter of personal choice, and attempting to defend past decisions with falsehoods is unnecessary,” Olayinka concluded.
He also questioned Atiku’s current allegiance to the PDP, noting, “It is necessary for Atiku to first clarify which party he belongs to now because the PDP has not formed a coalition with any political party.” Olayinka suggested that Atiku’s history of shifting political affiliations has been detrimental to the PDP’s stability.
This development adds to the ongoing discourse within the PDP regarding internal democracy and the processes for selecting its leadership and candidates.
