Atiku Can Only Pretend to Have Character – Wike’s Aide

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has hit out at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of lacking the character and integrity he now claims to champion. Olayinka’s comment follows a statement from Atiku’s media office, which suggested that character concerns were behind the rejection of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) committee’s decision to select a Vice Presidential candidate for the 2023 elections.

In a strong-worded response, Olayinka stated that it was “too late” for Atiku to attempt to acquire qualities he has reportedly lacked throughout his political career. He further argued that no one could be more aware of Atiku’s character than his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, under whom Atiku served as Vice President for eight years.

The statement referred to Obasanjo’s autobiography *My Watch*, in which the former president described Atiku as a “blatant and shameless liar” and raised concerns about his integrity. According to Obasanjo, Atiku’s weaknesses included a “propensity to corruption,” “disloyalty,” and a tendency to sacrifice morality and national interest for personal gain. “Atiku has never debunked these claims,” the statement read.

Olayinka also addressed Atiku’s rejection of the PDP committee’s decision to select his running mate ahead of the 2023 elections, despite previously stating that he would adhere to the committee’s recommendations. He accused Atiku of contradicting himself and failing to live up to his promises, particularly with regard to the selection of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

Olayinka praised Wike for his transparency, saying that the FCT Minister is not one to backtrack on his positions. “Unlike Atiku, Wike does not pretend about his views. He was clear about his stance during the 2023 elections and will remain firm in the run-up to the 2027 election,” Olayinka said.