The possible administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar has began shopping for party stalwarts as running mate to fill the office of Vice President and other key cabinet positions.
Reports from various sources say the PDP leadership is considering a serving governor from the South-South as Vice President.
The PDP held its Special National Convention in Abuja on Saturday where the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar emerged.
The former Vice President won with a wide margin of 371 votes to defeat his closest rival, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike who polled 237 votes.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki came a distant 3rd in the party’s primary with a total of 70 votes.
Daily Trust quotes reliable sources as saying that the search for a running mate for Atiku has kickstarted.
A source close to Atiku said that the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, was being considered to run as Atiku’s Vice Presidential candidate.
“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.”
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 Vanguard 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.
“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.”
Related story:
JUST IN ! Atiku Wins PDP Presidential Ticket (video)
Atiku Abubakar Shops for Running Mate, Key Cabinet Hopefuls