BREAKING: Atiku Dumps Wike For Okowa As Running Mate

BY EDMOND ODOK – Nigeria’s Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has picked the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as the running mate for the 2023 general elections.

Mr. Okowa’s nomination was personally announced and confirmed by the Wazirin Adamawa Atiku on Thursday at an unveiling ceremony of his running mate held in Abuja.

Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) tweeted at 1:01 pm on Thu, Jun 16, 2022: “I am delighted to announce Governor @IAOkowa as my Vice Presidential candidate. I look forward to travelling our great country together, engaging with all Nigerians and building a shared future of peace, unity, and prosperity for all. As One We Can Get It Done. #OneNigeria. – AA”

According to the PDP standard bearer, his choice of the running mate must fulfill the qualities of one in a position to be president and one that would complement him as Nigeria’s President.

He further said the choice should also symbolize the quality to unite Nigeria, who is not afraid to speak and give advice on governance in the country.

Additionally, the former Vice President said his running mate must appreciate the depth of rots in the Nigerian system, with understanding of critical needs of the nation’s economic growth.

Following the announcement, Governor Okowa will thereafter be screened by a committee already setup for that purpose.

Interestingly, the announcement has put to rest speculations about Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State being chosen as the vice presidential candidate of the main opposition party.

Also, the party had on Wednesday dismissed reports that its Selection Committee has settled for the Rivers State Chief Executive as Atiku’s running mate.

Reacting to media reports, the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the so-called selection of Governor Wike could only be in the realm of rumour.

After the keenly-contested PDP primary in which he emerged as the runners-up with 237 votes to Atiku’s 371 delegate votes at the PDP presidential primary, Governor Wike’s name was elaborately suggested by some stakeholders to pair with the Wazirin Adamawa as the PDP’s candidates for next year’s polls.