By Emma Ogbuehi
Former Vice President of Nigeria and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has picked Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate in the February 2023 presidential election.
Atiku confirmed his preference for Okowa on Thursday at an unveiling event of his running mate held in Abuja.
Before the announcement, the name of Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, had featured prominently among those in contention.
Wike came second with 237 votes in the PDP presidential primaries held penultimate Saturday, which Atiku clinched against the 371 votes.
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 symbolize 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 set up for that purpose.
Recall that Wike, who has been prominent in the radar of the PDP heavyweights was speculated to have been selected as the vice presidential candidate of the main opposition party.
But the party onm Wednesday dismissed the report that its Selection Committee has settled for Wike as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.
The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said reports in the media that the PDP has picked Wike could only be in the realm of rumour, saying the National Working Committee of the party was still looking into the matter and consulting, in order to consider the best vice presidential candidate for the party in the 2023 elections.