Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of making false claims about the selection process for his 2023 running mate, even during the sacred month of Ramadan.
In a statement on Saturday, Olayinka refuted Atiku’s remarks, arguing that the former vice president was not truthful about how Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa emerged as his running mate. He expressed disappointment that Atiku made such claims during Ramadan, a period that emphasizes honesty and integrity.
Atiku had previously stated that a committee was set up to recommend three candidates, ranking Okowa first, Nyesom Wike second, and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel third, leading him to choose Okowa.
Countering this, Olayinka asserted that Wike was actually the committee’s preferred choice, securing 13 votes, while Okowa received only two. He questioned how someone with fewer votes could be considered the first choice over a candidate who had overwhelming support.
According to him, Atiku’s decision to pick Okowa was personal and not based on the committee’s recommendation. He urged the former vice president to be truthful instead of attempting to rewrite history.
Quoting Islamic teachings, Olayinka emphasized the importance of honesty, particularly during Ramadan, and suggested that Atiku’s alleged falsehoods might be a reason for his repeated failures in presidential elections.
However, he clarified that Wike had moved on from the 2023 election and harbored no regrets over not being selected as Atiku’s running mate or the stance he took during the election.
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