Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of lying about the process that led to the selection of his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
Olayinka claimed Atiku disregarded the recommendation of the committee set up by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to choose a vice-presidential candidate and instead handpicked former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Olayinka dismissed Atiku’s claim that his decision aligned with the committee’s report, describing it as an attempt to “cover one lie with another.”
‘Atiku Ignored PDP Committee’s Recommendation’
“The committee’s report was made public to set the record straight, and this has forced Atiku and his team to admit that he did not follow the party’s recommendation,” Olayinka stated. “He simply picked who he wanted, not who the PDP wanted.”
Olayinka cited a statement from Atiku’s media office, which emphasized that “committees, consultations, and recommendations are advisory in nature,” and that the final decision was Atiku’s alone. According to Olayinka, this confirms that Atiku “lied” and acted without regard for the PDP’s collective decision.
“It gladdens our hearts that we have been able to establish that Atiku is not a man to be trusted,” he added. “That he chose to lie during the holy month of Ramadan is, however, between him and Allah.”
‘Wike Has No Regrets Over His Choice’
Olayinka reiterated that Wike had never been interested in becoming Atiku’s running mate due to what he described as Atiku’s “baggage.” He also stressed that Wike had no regrets about opposing Atiku in the 2023 election.
“As Atiku has said he has no regrets about his choice, Wike too has no regrets about his own decisions. It is simply a case of each person making their choice,” he stated.
He further questioned Atiku’s political loyalty, urging him to clarify his party affiliation.
“Before discussing rebuilding the PDP, Atiku must first make it clear which party he belongs to because the PDP has not formed a coalition with any political group,” Olayinka said.
Atiku, a two-time PDP presidential candidate, has yet to respond to the latest accusations.
