Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has publicly stated that he has no regrets over his decision to pass over former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for the vice-presidential ticket during the 2023 presidential election.
In a candid interview, Atiku addressed the political dynamics that influenced his decision to choose his running mate, emphasizing that his choice was guided by what he considered to be the best strategic fit for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria’s future.
“I have always made decisions based on what is best for Nigeria. The decision not to pick Nyesom Wike as my vice-presidential candidate was not personal, but a careful and deliberate choice aimed at ensuring we presented the strongest and most competent team to lead the country,” Atiku stated. “I have no regrets about the choices I made, and I firmly believe that the leadership we proposed in 2023 would have delivered significant progress for Nigeria.”
Atiku’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about his decision not to select Wike, who had been a prominent figure in the PDP and was widely seen as a key player in the party’s electoral campaigns. While some political observers had expected the pairing of Atiku and Wike as a formidable ticket, Atiku maintained that political calculations, party dynamics, and the broader vision for Nigeria informed his decision-making process.
The former presidential candidate further emphasized that the choice of a running mate is a critical one, and it was essential for him to align with someone who shared a mutual vision for the country's development and the party's ideals. "The PDP is a big tent, and every decision made is for the collective good of the party and the country," he added.