In a scathing rebuke, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of dishonesty. Olayinka’s statement, released on Sunday in Abuja, was in response to Atiku’s claim that he selected Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election based on a report from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Olayinka described Atiku’s statement as a “face-saving” attempt to defend his previous lies. He emphasized that the report of the committee set up by the PDP to select its Vice Presidential candidate was released to set the records straight. This report, according to Olayinka, confirms that Atiku did not follow the committee’s recommendations, instead choosing his running mate based on personal preference.
The Media Aide to the FCT Minister reiterated that Atiku’s actions demonstrate a lack of regard for the PDP as a party. He quoted Atiku’s Media Office, which stated that the selection process for a running mate is advisory in nature, with the final decision resting solely with the presidential candidate. Olayinka argued that this statement confirms Atiku’s dishonesty and lack of accountability.
Olayinka also addressed Atiku’s choice of running mate in the 2019 and 2023 elections. He acknowledged that as the PDP candidate, Atiku had the right to make his own choice. However, Olayinka emphasized that Atiku should be honest and accept the consequences of his decisions, rather than trying to misrepresent facts.
The Media Aide noted that both Atiku and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have expressed no regret over their respective choices. Olayinka emphasized that there is no personal ill-feeling between the two, but rather a clear difference in their choices.
Olayinka concluded by stating that Atiku’s penchant for seeking to contest the presidential election under any available party has remained a major challenge for the PDP. He called on Atiku to clarify his party affiliation, as the PDP has not formed a coalition with any other party.
In a final blow, Olayinka questioned Atiku’s integrity, highlighting his history of dishonesty and lack of accountability. He emphasized that Atiku’s actions during the Holy Month of Ramadan are between him and Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala).
As the controversy surrounding Atiku’s honesty continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Lere Olayinka will not hesitate to speak truth to power and hold Atiku accountable for his actions.
Olayinka’s statement has sparked a heated debate, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in politics. As the dust settles, one thing is certain: the people demand honesty and integrity from their leaders.
In the words of Olayinka, “It is necessary for Atiku to first come clear as to which party he belongs now… his penchant for seeking to contest the presidential election under any available party has remained PDP’s major albatross.”
The ball is now in Atiku’s court. Will he come clean and clarify his party affiliation, or will he continue to evade the truth? Only time will tell.
