The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun its search for the appropriate running partner for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, its presidential contender.
According to many sources, the PDP leadership is contemplating pairing Atiku with a South-South governor who is currently in office.
According to Anaedoonline.ng, the PDP convened its Special National Convention on Saturday in Abuja, where the party’s presidential flagbearer for the 2023 general election was announced.
With 371 votes, Atiku easily defeated his closest challenger, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who received 237 votes.
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Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President, finished third in the party’s primary with 70 votes.
The search for Atiku’s running partner has begun, according to reliable sources inside the PDP.
A source close to Atiku said at their inner circle, the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, was being considered to run as Atiku’s number two.
“Except for last-minute change, we are looking at Governor Okowa for the position. He has consistently supported our camp despite all backlashes. He mobilised resources for us and ensured that all the delegates of his voted for us,” the source, one of the leaders of the campaign team said.
But another source said Okowa as running mate is not yet a done deal, adding that “there is a division on it, some are saying him but others especially elders of the party, said Wike should be considered because of his performance at the primary.”
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While revealing that Peter Obi dumped the PDP because Atiku’s camp choose to look at the South-South instead of the South-East for the VP position, the source said Governor Udom Emmanuel Akwa Ibom is also making moves to be considered for the seat.
According to him, the main factor that led to the defection of Peter Obi was the decision of the Atiku’s camp to look elsewhere for the running mate.
Another source told Newsmen that, “If Mr Peter Obi did not leave PDP for Labour Party, he would be in contention to be picked as running mate to Atiku again as was done in 2019. In his absence, Wike, Okowa, and Udom are likely to be considered. The PDP hierarchy will meet to decide on this in consultation with critical stakeholders of the party.”
He stated that the PDP will also take into consideration who the All Progressives Congress (APC) will field as it presidential candidate.
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“Now that the presidential primary is over, you saw how peaceful and transparent it was. Our leaders want to get all hands on deck to rescue Nigerians from the bad leadership of the APC in the last seven years,” the party source said.
On plans for the other PDP presidential aspirants, he said: “PDP is a big family with a big umbrella.
“There will be room for everyone. If he is willing, Tambuwal can be given a senatorial ticket and if he wins, he could become the next senate president if Atiku wins. Dr Saraki can become the Chief of Staff to the President or SGF. All these things will be thought through to ensure harmony.”
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