Wike Opens Up: Why I Couldn’t Support Atiku in 2023

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has finally laid bare his reasons for turning against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential race. Contrary to popular belief, Wike says his decision wasn’t out of spite over not being picked as running mate—it was rooted in a matter of principle and trust.

Speaking on the issue, Wike explained that after President Buhari’s eight-year rule, it was only fair for power to shift away from the North. He said backing another northern candidate was not an option for him, especially one he described as untrustworthy.

According to Wike, his mistrust of Atiku stemmed from past experiences. He recounted a 2019 incident where Atiku and some allies allegedly made promises to him—like choosing nominees for top ministerial positions—but never followed through.

He stressed that he wasn’t surprised by Atiku’s decisions in 2023, saying he had long known not to rely on the former VP’s word. For Wike, it was never about being dropped from a ticket, but about staying true to a principle: fairness, rotation of power, and dealing only with people who can be trusted.