Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has picked Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate in the 2023 election.
Vanguard reports that the nomination was announced and confirmed by Atiku himself on Thursday at an unveiling event of his running mate held in Abuja.
Atiku while speaking on his choice said his Vice President must fulfill the qualities to be president and one that could complement him as a President.
He added that he should symbolise the quality to unite Nigeria, who is not afraid to speak and give advice on governance in the country.
He also added that his running mate must understand what he described as the depth of rots in the Nigerian system, with understanding of critical needs of economic growth.
Following the announcement, Okowa will thereafter be screened by a committee already setup for that purpose.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who has been the foreman in the radar of the PDP heavyweights was speculated to be selected as the vice presidential candidate of the main opposition party, was rumoured to have been selected as Atiku’s running mate.
But the party on Wednesday dismissed reports that its Selection Committee had settled for the Rivers State governor as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.
The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said reports in the media that the PDP had picked Wike could only be in the realm of rumour, saying the National Working Committee of the was looking into the matter and consulting, in order to consider the best vice presidential candidate for the party in the 2023 elections.
As part of moves to press down its process, the NWC of the PDP met in Abuja on Wednesday at 11 AM, where the advisory board resumed intense deliberations.
The PDP selection committee had recommended the Rivers State governor after 13 of 17 members, who attended the meeting at the PDP National Secretariat, yesterday, voted in favour of Wike. At the meeting, three members voted for others, while the chairman, who can only vote when there is a tie, did not vote.
Meanwhile, after the keenly-contested PDP primary, Wike had scored 237 against the 371 delegate votes at the PDP presidential primary secured by Atiku, who won the party ticket.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, will present his running mate to the public this afternoon in Abuja.
Those close to his campaign said the announcement would be made at noon (12 pm) and the nominee will thereafter be screened by a committee already empanelled for that purpose.
This follows the conclusion Wednesday night of a series of meetings between the candidate and the hierarchy of the party on the issue.
The party had set up a committee to recommend some candidates to the former vice president.
But, according to Premium Times, despite reports on Tuesday that the committee overwhelmingly recommended Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, his recommendation did not sit well with many leaders of the party.
The leaders felt that Wike is not suitable for a position that places him a heartbeat away from the presidency.
A number of party chieftains raised concerns about the governor’s temperament, his perceived dictatorial tendencies and his propensity for picking fights even with key allies.
Some also argued that Okowa possessed a better intellectual bent and would bring better value to governance at the federal level if the ticket is eventually elected by Nigerians.
Atiku apparently shared their concerns and turned his attention to Okowa who was reported to have been his initial favourite for the position.
Okowa supported Atiku in the primary where Wike was his closest challenger.
After his public presentation Thursday morning, Okowa will appear before a screening committee of the party.
Political parties have until Friday (tomorrow) to submit lists of their candidates for the 2023 elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Vanguard/ Premium Times
