Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has explained the reasons behind his strong opposition to Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition during the 2023 general elections.


Contrary to widespread speculation that his stance was fueled by Atiku’s refusal to select him as running mate, Wike stated that his decision was rooted in principle and a firm belief in power rotation.


“I wanted power rotation. I could not have imagined that after eight years of President Buhari, power would remain in the North. It’s not about whether I was chosen as a running mate or not—it was about principle,” Wike said.


The former Governor of Rivers State emphasized that beyond the zoning issue, trust was a major factor in his rejection of Atiku’s candidacy.


“From day one, I told my delegates that Atiku does not keep to his words. That was the main reason I couldn’t support him,” he asserted.


Wike recalled a specific incident from the 2019 general elections, where he said Atiku, alongside Bukola Saraki and Uche Secondus, made promises they failed to keep—particularly regarding appointments should they have won.


“In 2019, Atiku, Saraki, and Secondus came to see me. They assured me I would nominate the Attorney General and Minister of Petroleum. But after we lost, the man who was to bring the Attorney General didn’t even know when the legal team was constituted. I laughed when I saw it on TV. I called Saraki and said, ‘You’ve already formed the legal team,’ and yet you made those promises.”


Wike concluded that he never relied on Atiku's assurances and had long decided not to place any political bets on the former Vice President.


“I knew from the start that Atiku wouldn’t choose me as running mate—and I never expected it. I’ve never trusted his words and certainly wouldn’t take them to the bank,” he added.