Ahead of next year’s presidential elections in Nigeria, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has explained that he chose Senator Ifeanyi Okowa over Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike as his running mate due to the perceived qualities of the Delta State Governor in governance and politics.
Speaking to party stalwarts on Thursday, Atiku explained that it was a difficult decision to arrive at his choice of a running mate, one which required extensive consultations with various stakeholders at all levels.
Speaking to party stalwarts, Aiku said he made it clear that his ‘running mate would have the potential to succeed him at a moment’s notice, i.e a president in waiting’.
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According to him, Governor Okowas was someone that possessed the admirable attributes for the position of Vice-President and has the required experiences in both the legislative and executive arms of governance.
Okowa according to Atiku, is someone he has resolved will remain part of his everyday life, as they navigate the leading of a complex country such as Nigeria.
‘He personifies not only the seriousness the current moment represents for our country but also the future that our young people yearn for and also deserve.
‘He’s a serving governor who has demonstrated in his state and through his conduct that governance is about service to the people. I know that he will not only add excitement to our energized campaign but will also help to bring focus, discipline and stability to our government come 2023,’ Atiku enunciated before announcing his running mate.
In his reaction, Okowa will help lead the PDP to victory next year not only in the presidential elections but also in the governorship and legislative elections.
After receiving a report from the Umar Damagum-led committee, the PDP leadership submitted the names of Wike and those of Okowa and Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, back to Atiku.
