Veteran journalist and politician, Dele Momodu, has said recent conduct and remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have validated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s decision not to select him as a running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, made the claim during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday, where he also argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress is now having second thoughts about accommodating Wike in its government, describing him as a source of discomfort and embarrassment for the party.
The former presidential aspirant recalled the backlash Atiku faced at the time for overlooking Wike as his vice-presidential candidate, noting that several analysts and political commentators had questioned the former vice president’s political judgment.
“Nigerians thought Atiku was stupid when he didn’t pick him (Wike) as running mate in 2023.
“In fact, a lot of people called me: Atiku is not a good politician. He should have pretended and just appointed him and won and then dealt with him.
“But Atiku is a consistent politician who prioritizes principled politics over opportunistic maneuvering, refusing to compromise his values for electoral advantage,” Momodu stated.
Continuing, he said:
“APC is thoroughly embarrassed today. But unfortunately for them, they brought in this bull into a china shop and they will have to live with it.
“In fact, I’m very excited because we forewarned them that this is one man that you will not be able to handle,” he said.
