The campaign to be Atiku Abubakar’s running mate for the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria is heating up.
Last weekend in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the former Vice President was elected as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer.
Atiku Abubakar of Adamawa was declared the winner after collecting 371 votes to overcome Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
The Rivers governor received 237 votes, with ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki receiving 70 votes and Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel receiving 38 votes.
Atiku Abubakar Wins PDP Presidential Ticket (See Full Results)
Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi, received 20 votes, while Anyim Pius Anyim, the former Senate President, received 14.
Atiku met other candidates for peace-building and healing less than 48 hours after the primaries.
The Wazirin Adamawa, joined by close allies, asked for their help in defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election.
In 2015, the party deposed the PDP, which had been in power since the country’s restoration to democracy, and ushered in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
In three days, the APC primary, which is also scheduled for Abuja, will take place. With all eyes on the ruling party, the Atiku campaign is also watching to see how the ticket will swing.
The former Customs chief, who might have chosen Peter Obi as his running companion once more, is aiming to the South-East and South-South.
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According to Newsmen, Emmanuel, Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and ex-Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha are among the three governors on the former VP’s shortlist.
Both Emmanuel and Okowa are deemed to have done above average in their second terms and would undoubtedly receive support from their colleagues.
Not only that, but they are in control of oil-rich nations and have a calm temperament. This means they’ll be able to go into the election with a sizable war fund, which is a significant advantage in Nigerian politics.
Due to a variety of considerations, the post may lean toward Ihedioha, a former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker (DS).
First: Atiku may consider the South-East again. Second: No one from the region has been President or Vice since 1999. Third: Obi’s votes would split with an Igbo man as PDP VP hopeful. Fourth: Ihedioha is regarded as a politician with a clean record. Fifth: His time as a lawmaker and DS will enable him to liaise with the National Assembly.
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But the sixth reason is perhaps why many pundits believe he may emerge. Ihedioha is Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s right hand man.
Their relationship dates back decades but blossomed between 2011 and 2015 when Tambuwal and Ihedioha were House Speaker and Deputy.
Anaedoonline.ng gathered that the Sokoto chief executive already shortlisted his friend as first choice running mate.
Tambuwal’s withdrawal at the primary helped Atiku clinch PDP’s 2023 ticket and it is unlikely that the flagbearer will deny him the slot if he insists.
In fact, who becomes the vice presidential candidate was reportedly part of the Atiku-Tambuwal decisive last minute pact at the convention ground.
“Ihedioha is very qualified to occupy any position in the land. He has built capacity, loyalty and competence around himself.
I Will Be Returned As Governor Of Imo In 2023 – Ihedioha
“He has also shown that he is a worthy friend. But for now, most of the things you hear are speculations. The right decisions will be taken at the right time”, a PDP chieftain said.
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