The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that his opposition to Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential ambition was based on principle—not personal grievances.
Contrary to speculations that his stance stemmed from not being chosen as Atiku’s running mate, Wike said his decision was rooted in a firm belief in power rotation and a lack of trust in Atiku’s integrity.
“I wanted power rotation. I couldn’t imagine that after eight years of Buhari, power would remain in the North,” Wike said. “It wasn’t about whether he picked me or not. It was about principle. The decision wasn’t easy, but it had to be made. Atiku was not an option—he was a no-go area.”
The former Rivers State governor also accused Atiku of dishonesty, claiming he had warned his delegates early on about Atiku’s alleged unreliability.
“From day one, I told my delegates: one thing you must know is that Atiku doesn’t keep to his words,” he stated.
Wike cited a 2019 incident involving Atiku, Bukola Saraki, and Uche Secondus. According to him, they had promised him the chance to nominate the Attorney General and Minister of Petroleum if the PDP won. However, when the legal team for the post-election battle was formed, he said he wasn’t even consulted.
“I watched it on TV and laughed. I called Saraki and asked—so you’ve constituted a legal team? This was after you told me I’d nominate the Attorney General. That’s when I knew not to take Atiku’s words to the bank,” Wike said.
