Atiku’s consultation may also be to shop for a running mate. Analysts say he might choose a running mate from the South East since the region hasn’t produced a president or vice president since 1999.
By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the next election, Atiku Abubakar, has visited those who challenged him for the party’s ticket in a show of comradeship.
Recall that Atiku clinched the ticket of the PDP in a Special Convention of the party held on Saturday, May 28 with 371 votes.
His closest challenger, Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, polled a total of 237 votes to come second in the keenly contested primary election.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki had 70 votes, Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel Gabriel, had 38 votes; Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed garnered 20 votes while former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim polled 14 votes.
After meeting Wike at his residence in Abuja, Atiku tweeted. “In continuation of my commitment to bring everyone on board in ensuring that the @OfficialPDPNig stands as one united party, earlier today, I visited His Excellency Gov Nyseom Wike at his Abuja residence. This is a continuous process. -AA”
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Atiku’s next stop was at the residence of Saraki. He also tweeted. “To unify our country Nigeria, we have to start with bringing every member of the @OfficialPDPNig under the covering of the umbrella. My visit to @bukolasaraki not long ago underscores this commitment. More to follow. -AA.”
The PDP presidential candidate also visited Anyim, who was a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Atiku tweeted after meeting Anyim. He said: “I was also at the residence of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim to pay him a courtesy visit and consult with him on strengthening the cohesion in our great party, @OfficialPDPNig. -AA #OneNigeria.”
Atiku’s consultation may also be to shop for a running mate. Analysts say he might choose a running mate from the South East since the region hasn’t got a shot at producing the president or vice president since 1999.