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Atiku Abubakar Explains Why He Rejected Nyesom Wike As His Running Mate

Published

2 years ago

July 24, 2022

The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar has explained why he rejected the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

Why speaking on Arise Tv on Friday morning, Atiku Abubakar explained that he has always been desirous to unite Nigeria and has in the past presidential election in which he contested, reflected that desire in his choice of a running mate.

He said he chose the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa in reflection of his ambition to unite Nigeria also because he believes the Delta State governor has the characteristics that will enable them work amicably.

He added that the prerogative of a presidential candidate to choose a running mate lies with him; hence, his decision to choose from the three-man shortlist the committee he setup recommended.

” If you can go through history. I was given a ticket in 2007, I picked an Igbo. I was given a ticket in 2019, I picked an Igbo. In 2022, I was given it and I picked an Igbo man again. This is just to show you my desire to unify the country”.

He further explained that Governor Nyesom Wike remains a political talent that will contribute to the political development of Nigeria.

“Governor Wike is a brilliant politician. He is courageous; he is tenacious. I believe he has a future in the political evolution of this country.”

He stated that his choice of Ifeanyi Okowa at the expense of Nyesom Wike should not be interpreted as a rejection

“So it is not a question of rejection. Certainly not. I think it is too harsh a word to say that we rejected the governor. We can certainly not say that”.