Sunday, July 19, 2026

Something is fundamentally wrong with Atiku if Obasanjo won’t endorse him for president: Wike 

Former president Obasanjo had in a new year statement endorsed Peter Obi above other contestants, including his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar.

• January 2, 2023
Governor Nyesom Wike and Atiku Abubakar
Governor Nyesom Wike and Atiku Abubakar

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Monday mocked Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for failing to earn former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement. 

“I was praying that Obasanjo should not say anything. When I saw the letter last night, I was touched. If your principal cannot recommend you, then there is something fundamentally wrong,” Wike said on Monday. 

The governor was speaking at the flag-off of the construction of Akpabu-Odido Road in Emohua and Ahoada West local government areas.

Former president Obasanjo had in his new year statement to Nigerians, especially the youths, endorsed the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as the most competent among other contestants. 

Mr Abubakar served as vice president under president Obasanjo’s administration between 1999 to 2007.

However, Mr Obasanjo’s endorsement of Mr Obi came as a surprise for supporters of the PDP flag bearer, who had hoped that the statesman would support him.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States

Flooding: Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu place emergency response agencies on alert

He urged residents living in flood-prone areas to heed early warning messages.

Flood

NationWide

Flood Alert: NEMA urges residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate as rains intensify

Mrs Umar advised motorists and pedestrians against driving or walking through floodwaters.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima

NationWide

Shettima departs Abuja for ECOWAS summit in Freetown

The summit will focus on key policy decisions and strategic resolutions.

National Broadcasting Commission

NationWide

NBC unveils new digital broadcasting rules  

Mr Ebuebu said the commission had observed declining ethical standards in broadcasting.

Heading 3

POWA reaffirms commitment to members’ welfare

According to Mrs Disu, the invaluable role of police officers’ wives cannot be overemphasised.

Nigeria Premier Football League logo

States

N2 billion NPFL prize won’t fix Nigerian football, says Gara-Gombe

He lamented that Nigeria had only a few stadiums capable of meeting international standards.