By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba
In the build up to the 2023 presidential election, many Nigerians expected Nyesom Wike to emerge as His Excellency Atiku Abubakar’s running mate after losing the PDP ticket to him. When Ifeanyi Okowa was eventually announced, a lot of young people like myself were confused. I remember immediately calling my boss, Chief Dele Momodu, to express my worry, not because I preferred Wike, but because I wanted to understand the political terrain. His response was calm but striking, “Dr Baba, Waziri Atiku Abubakar is a veteran politician, a strategist and opposition leader in Nigeria, not a do or die type. I believe he must have a genuine reason which Nigerians will discover sooner or later, and I remain loyal to his candidacy as promised”. Today, all the unfolding events have confirmed that Atiku’s decision was rooted in something deeper than political calculations, the one trait that separates true leaders from tyrants and opportunists, “CHARACTER”.
Atiku Abubakar is known globally for his discipline, calmness, and intolerance for political thuggery and shenanigans. Chief Dele Momodu often reminds Nigerians that Atiku is probably the only major politician in the country whose homes, offices, and political activities are completely free of thugs. That alone speaks volumes about his leadership style. Wike, on the other hand, has shown a pattern of behaviour that contradicts everything Atiku stands for. From his increasingly erratic outbursts against institutions and individuals to destabilising his own state and political party that made him who he is. Even recently, from public confrontation with a military officer to the sponsored thuggery at the PDP Wadata Plaza. Not forgetting his monthly media parlay shenanigans where he derived pleasure in throwing jabs and tantrums to his supposed enemies, while harassing journalists doing their job. Wike has demonstrated a temperament that has no place near the presidency of a democratic nation.
Let us also make a simple but important comparison. Atiku Abubakar is a successful businessman and one of the biggest private employers of labour in Africa. Long before he entered politics, he built a distinguished career in the Nigerian civil service, joining the Department of Customs and Excise in June 1969. His entrepreneurial vision led to so many establishments. For example, ABTI-ZARHAM, which later birthed a generation of schools in 1992 and eventually evolved into today’s ABTI American University, one of the most reputable private universities in the country. Across real estate, education, logistics and agriculture, Atiku has excelled consistently for decades. Wike, on the other hand, has no known history of establishing or running any business. His entire adult life has been funded by politics, with no professional track record or legacy outside public office. What enterprise has Wike ever built? Where did he work before politics? What value does he bring outside the realm of political drama? In every measurable sense of leadership, career, entrepreneurship, experience, Atiku Abubakar is not his mate.
It is important to note that Atiku did not reject Wike arbitrarily; he rejected him from a formal shortlist of three names submitted by a constituted committee of respected party leaders. The committee presented him with former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the first, former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State as severally reported. Atiku simply chosed Okowa, a decision many misunderstood then, but which now stands vindicated by the realities Nigerians are witnessing today.
Looking back, it is clear that even if Atiku had chosen Wike as vice president and they had won the election, their partnership would have collapsed quickly. Atiku is a no-nonsense leader who cannot work with someone who thrives on intimidation, chaos, and self-glorification.
And so Atiku wouldn’t have simply allowed him to destroy his hard earned reputation and decades of political decency.
Wike’s behaviour Nigerians are witnessing today is the same behaviour Atiku saw long before the rest of us, and this guided his choice. It was a decision rooted in foresight, integrity, and a determination to protect Nigeria from future instability.
Atiku Abubakar deserves credit for that decision. He chose stability over noise, character over drama, and leadership over theatrics. Nigerians may not have understood it then, but today it is obvious: Atiku was right to reject Wike as his running mate. His judgment saved the country from what could have been a dangerous and turbulent vice presidency, and once again confirmed him as one of the most experienced and sensible statesmen in Africa.
Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com
