The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a committee that will be responsible for choosing of a running mate for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as he emerged as the flag bearer of the party. PDP has set up a committee comprising of former Governors, the National Working Committee (NWC), and other stakeholders of the party with a mandate of nominating a running mate for the party who have commenced sitting last night at Jimmy Carter, Asokoro, Abuja. Accordingly, the Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike have commenced serious lobby to cling to the seat as it has been thrown open to the committee.
Earlier yesterday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued a deadline to all political parties to submit names of running mates on or before the 17th of June, 2022.
Recall the commission had on the 27th of last month may 2022 extended the dateline for the submission of parties flag-bearer from 2nd to 9th June, 20222.
Source disclosed that Atiku Abubakar had commenced sitting with the PDP Governors in search for his running mate which is expected to be announced next week, although, the source revealed he was not certain about the candidate that will make it as the running mate.
Ologunaba, one of the PDP chieftains told Punch that “Yes, we have set up a committee on the running mate; when it comes out with its decision, it would be announced. We don’t do things by speculations. There is a process, we don’t work without planning. We would follow due process, we consult, and that’s what we are doing.
He added that all organs of the party from NWC, former Governors, board of Trustees are all involved in the selection process.
It was learned that Governor Wike and Okowa have both reached out to their colleagues as a form of the lobby to be endorsed as the candidate for the running mate.
Although the source revealed that there was nothing wrong is jostling for the running mate position as it was not against any law.
However, the source added that “But it will be unfair if he (Wike) is not picked as Atiku’s running mate going by his contributions to the party, both in terms of finance and other levels of support.
“Don’t forget that he came second in the PDP presidential primary in Abuja, so that tells you his pedigree,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to Governor Wike, Kelvin Ebiri did not say anything concerning the moves by his principal.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, confirmed that his government was one of the candidate being tipped as Atiku’s running mate.
Ifeajika said Okowa was by all standards qualified for the post. He said, “Yes, they (governors) met yesterday and Thursday in Abuja. Of course, it is no longer news that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is among the people being tipped as the running mate.
But a source close to the Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal hinted that the committee was rooting for a candidate that can mobilize voters for the party shall be the preferred candidate.
In a similar manner, another chieftain of the party, Chief Bode George, has said the running mate would be an individual that could assist the party to garner votes.
Bode Geoge said, “Definitely, it (running mate) must come from the South; South-West, South-East and South-South. They will be looking for the best man that will be able to assist the party; who will have character, respect for the rule of law, and be fair to Nigerians.”
The following among others attended the meeting; Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) Lyel Imoke (Cross River) Jim Nwobodo (Enugu); Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger).
Others include; lusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo); Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun); Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Achike Udenwa (Imo); Theodore Orji (Abia); Celestine Omehia (Rivers); Ibrahim Idris (Kogi); Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); Fidelis Tapgun (Plateau), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Boni Haruna (Adamawa)
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