The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has reportedly offered Governor Nyesom Wike the position of Petroleum Minister if he wins the 2023 elections.
Premium Times quotes a source close to the negotiations as saying that Atiku also offered the Rivers governor the opportunity to nominate one should the party win the election.
However, Wike’s camp is insisting on the vice-presidential slot, saying “a promise is not as important as what is currently on hand”.
It was gathered that the Rivers State governor’s insistence in picking the PDP VP slot is behind the delay in the announcement of Atiku’s running mate.
INEC fixed June 17th as the deadline for political parties to submit a list of all presidential candidates.
Those in favour of Wike, including some governors, have pointed out his roles in rescuing the party at numerous times and how he had also supported PDP chapters without State governors.
But his critics are of the opinion that the Rivers State governor is not “presidential in conduct”.
They also claim that he would be a dangerous deputy and divisive figure in the presidency should they take over power in 2023
On the other hand, Okowa who enjoys massive support among PDP leaders was instrumental in the emergence of Atiku as the presidential candidate of the PDP.
Premium Times reports that Atiku is said to also prefer Okowa to run as his vice president.
But the possibility of Wike adding a stronger political structure and financial muscle to the ticket is delaying Atiku’s decision
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