Ezekiel Awojide, Abuja
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party actually favoured Nyesom Wike as running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general election, Newstellers can report. Document made available to this newspaper indicated that the former governor of Rivers State was favoured by the 17 leaders of the PDP saddled with the responsibility of picking a running mate for Atiku.The document, which was addressed to the then National Chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchai Ayu, was dated June 14, 2022.The document was the report of the 17 leaders, which was named the Advisory Committee for the selection of the Presidential running mate.It read in part, ‘’The committee unanimously suggested three names for consideration by the presidential candidate in the following order of preference:1) Governor Nyesom Wike2) Governor Ifeanyi Okowa3) Governor Emmanuel Udom‘’The committee decision was reached after considering the larger interest of the party. The committee thanks the party for the opportunity to serve.’’Those who signed the report were Umar Damagun (chairman), Aminu Tambuwal, Bala Mohammed, Olusegun Mimiko, Adolphus Wabara, David Mark, Oluwole Oke, Liyel Imoke, Theophilus San and Samuel Ortom.Others were Taofeek Arapaja, Prof Stella Effa-Attoe, Hajia Inna Ciroma, Babangida Aliyu, Philip Aduda, and Samuel Anyawu (secretary).Newstellers recall that instead of following the opinion expressed by the committee, Atiku picked Okowa as his running mate. The crisis caused by the action is still troubling the party today.In anger, Wike teamed up with four other governors of the party, including the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde to work against Atiku for the success of the candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu.Tinubu eventually won the election.Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, had claimed that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory had 13 votes from the committee while Okowa had just two votes and wondered why he was not picked.However, Atiku, in a statement by his media office said there are no laid down rules or laws on the selection process of a running mate.It said that the final decision rests solely and exclusively with the presidential candidate, in this case, Atiku Abubakar, saying it is a constitutional and strategic choice, not a popularity contest.The statement said, ‘‘Assuming, but not conceding that Wike had 13 votes and Okowa had 2 — just like universities confer degrees “in learning and in character” — one must ask: what is the worth of votes if character scores a zero? Leadership is not only about numbers; it is about temperament, dignity, and the ability to unify. A man may boast of numbers, but if his conduct lacks grace and humility, those numbers are empty.‘‘We make no apologies for choosing Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate in 2023. That decision was based on a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship.We have been vindicated by Mr. Wike’s public conduct in Rivers state, where he once served as governor, and in Abuja since becoming FCT Minister, which has made it abundantly clear why he was unsuitable for the role of Vice President in a ticket meant to unify, not divide.’’
