The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following the defection of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa—Atiku’s 2023 running mate—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike, in a statement issued on Wednesday night in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said Okowa’s decision to back President Bola Tinubu and join the APC was a clear vindication of his own political stance during the last general election.
“This is yet another endorsement of the President’s good governance and commitment to national development,” Wike declared, adding that he had been proven right for refusing to support the PDP presidential ticket led by Atiku.
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Mocking the PDP’s 2023 campaign, Wike pointedly said, “The same people who stood on the wrong side of history are now realising the truth and aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda.”
Describing Okowa’s defection as “heart-warming,” Wike added, “It’s a bold move and a validation of my position in 2023—one based on the need for unity and genuine progress in Nigeria.”
He extended commendations to both Okowa and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for “coming out at the right time,” insisting that their decision would enable the Niger Delta region to benefit more from the current administration.
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“What I saw before the 2023 election, others are only just beginning to see,” Wike said, in a pointed dig at Atiku and his supporters. “Some only speak up when they’re in trouble, running helter-skelter. But real leadership is about standing firm at the right moment.”
Wike also urged other undecided Nigerians to stop sitting on the fence and throw their support behind President Tinubu, stressing that such support was key to the country’s continued progress and unity.
