Wike denies Atiku
Wike denies Atiku
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has again clarified his stance on the 2023 presidential election, stating emphatically that he never supported Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy, despite the accusations and speculations that trailed his political moves.
Speaking during a live media chat on Monday, the former Rivers State governor said his decision was based on equity, fairness, and justice.
“I made it very clear that I was not going to support Atiku Abubakar,” Wike said, referring to his long-standing position ahead of the polls. “I did not attend their meetings, because I believe it was the turn of the South to produce the presidency in 2023. I never hid it. So the issue of being double-faced does not arise.”
Wike also rejected claims that he secretly supported the PDP presidential candidate while pretending to be neutral.
“They said I was at their campaign and spoke in their favour. That would have been double-faced. But from day one, I said no. I said I’m not going to support them,” he insisted.
According to the former PDP strongman, when it became a choice between the Labour Party and the APC, he backed the candidate who, in his view, had both the structure and leadership depth to win.
“In my judgment, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had the best chance to win and also the ability to take Nigeria out of where it was. And I was right, Tinubu won,” Wike declared.
Defending his appointment in Tinubu’s cabinet, Wike reminded Nigerians that history had shown similar decisions in the past.
“When Bola Tinubu, a prominent opposition figure, became Attorney General of the Federation, people still questioned it. But we must look beyond partisanship when it comes to nation-building,” he said.