Wike called me 19 times in 2hrs begging to become Atiku’s running mate — Dino Melaye
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A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant in the forthcoming governorship primary in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye, has claimed governor Nysom Wike lobbied to become running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the just concluded presidential poll.
While speaking during an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday, Melaye said the Niger Delta-born politician called him 19 times in two hours, begging to become Atiku’s running mate.
Melaye was reacting to claim by Wike who said he lacks what it takes to become the governor of Kogi State.
Recall that Wike contested to become PDP’s presidential standard flagbearer but lost the ticket to Atiku, who later picked Mr Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta states governor, as his running mate.
Dino responding to Wike’s flippancy said, “Nigerians should not be fooled. That integrity and equity that he (Wike) is always clamouring, he does not possess one per cent of it. He will tell you he wants a southern presidency, that is why he is fighting but that is a bogus lie,” Melaye said.
“Wike wanted to be vice-presidential candidate to Atiku. He (Wike) called me 19 times in two hours when Atiku was going to mention his vice-presidential candidate, lobbying me with everything possible to influence Atiku to announce him as his running mate. I have witnesses.”
Melaye added that Wike’s opposition against him was because he refused to support his “myopic” presidential ambition.
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“Wike was my biggest supporter; he was my biggest fan to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. He did not just support my primaries, he provided his private jet to drop me in Kogi on the day of the primary election and called me repeatedly thereafter,” he added.
“That means Wike saw something in me in 2019 for supporting me. He knew I was a gubernatorial material and fit to be governor, hence his investment and support as the case may be.
“So, what now happened between 2019 and 2023 that he is now saying I am not fit to be a governor — somebody you supported materially and otherwise. But suddenly because I am not a bootlicker, and the fact that I refused to participate in your very myopic and intellectually stagnant presidential ambition, you now see me as someone that is not fit and start using foul languages on my person.”
