The 2023 presidential election might be over, however, the controversies that made the polls one of the most tightly contested still linger.
One of those pre-election controversies was the decision by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the elections not to pick Nyesom Wike, the Rivers State governor as his running mate.
While the controversy is alleged to have led to the defeat of the party in the presidential elections, Torizone recounts some of the reasons given by a party chieftain ahead of the polls.
Speaking in a 2022 interview on Channels Television's Political Paradigm, Former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu claims that Wike didn't compliment Atiku.
According to him, Wike "insulted his way to power".
He said: "You do not go around choosing people that will not compliment you.
"You choose people who will compliment your office. People who are ready to take over from you and will make you comfortable.
"Unfortunately, I don't know if it is his power. Sometimes when you speak too much. When you insult your way to power, it does not always happen.
"I can count many people who he has insulted. People will say he is always speaking his mind. But there are times you don't need to speak your mind."
The Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa was picked as Atiku's running mate.
Explaining his choice, Atiku stated that Okowa possesses all the qualities needed for the job of Vice President.
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