Bauchi Governor Expresses Sympathy for Nyesom Wike Over Atiku’s Candidacy Decision
Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, recently expressed his sympathy for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, following what he described as a "hurtful" decision by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. According to Mohammed, Atiku rejected a proposal from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors and the National Working Committee (NWC) to select Wike as his running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
Wike’s Disappointment in the PDP Primaries
In a recent interview with Daily Trust, Governor Mohammed revealed that Wike, who was then the governor of Rivers State, felt disappointed and humiliated during the PDP presidential primaries when a candidate stepped down to support Atiku. Mohammed also shared that had Wike informed him of his intentions earlier, he would have withdrawn from the race to support Wike's ambitions.
Reflecting on this, Mohammed stated, “If Wike had confided in me about his ambitions, I wouldn’t have run. I respected him as a friend and believed in his contributions to the PDP’s growth.”
Refusal to Withdraw for Atiku in Favor of a National Representation
Governor Mohammed explained his decision not to step down in the PDP primaries, stressing that he was driven by the desire to represent the entire country rather than focusing on regional politics. Despite calls from the then-PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to withdraw in support of Atiku, Mohammed resisted. Instead, he suggested that Atiku step aside and allow him to represent the party, pledging his full support as a “younger brother.”
“Some governors chose to step aside to make way for Atiku, but I chose not to,” Mohammed stated. “I didn’t want the ticket to be seen as a regional matter.”
Atiku’s Decision to Bypass Wike as Running Mate
Governor Mohammed shared insights into the internal discussions within the PDP. After the primaries, a committee was formed to select a vice-presidential candidate for Atiku. Wike emerged as the preferred choice, supported by the governors, the NWC, and other stakeholders. However, Atiku ultimately decided against selecting Wike, a decision that deeply disappointed Mohammed and other party members.
“Atiku set up a committee to recommend a running mate, and everyone—governors, NWC, and stakeholders—supported Wike,” Mohammed noted. “But Atiku rejected the recommendation without providing reasons, leaving us all feeling deeply hurt.”
The Impact of Atiku’s Rejection on Wike and the Party
Governor Mohammed further revealed that Atiku’s decision was not accompanied by any explanation, which added to the resentment felt by Wike and other party members. The perceived lack of respect in Atiku’s handling of the situation intensified tensions, ultimately leading to the formation of the G5, a group of governors who felt marginalized by the party's leadership decisions.
“There were no justifications for Atiku’s decision—just insults,” Mohammed explained. “Wike was humiliated at the primaries, and then this happened. He was expected to make significant contributions to the party, but the lack of acknowledgment led to deeper divisions.”
Final Reflections on Atiku’s Handling of the Situation
In concluding his remarks, Governor Mohammed acknowledged that while he initially sympathized with Wike, he believed that Atiku’s approach to resolving internal issues may have been mishandled. The series of events surrounding the primaries and Wike’s rejection as a vice-presidential candidate revealed underlying tensions that remain within the party.
Governor Mohammed’s reflections provide insight into the complex dynamics within the PDP, particularly regarding Atiku’s decisions and their implications on key figures within the party
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