2023: Atiku rejects Wike, picks Okowa as PDP presidential running mate
Those wishing for an Atiku-Wike ticket for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can now rest.
Atiku Abubakar, the party’s flagbearer for the 2023 presidential poll, will not be going with outspoken Rivers governor Nyesom Wike who almost beat him to the party’s ticket at the presidential primary.
He has, however, chosen Delta governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.
Atiku, on Thursday, unveiled Okowa as his running mate in Abuja, ending any hope of Wike taking the slot.
“He will be by my side and work hard every day to provide our people the security, revive our economy, improve education and unite our country,” Atiku said.
Atiku said making a choice between the three names given to him was difficult.
Atiku also tweeted on his official Twitter handle and also shared the following on Facebook:
“I am delighted to announce Governor Okowa as my vice presidential candidate. I look forward to travelling our great country together, engaging with all Nigerians and building a shared future of peace, unity, and prosperity for all. As One We Can Get It Done.”
The Wike snub will not come as a shock to those familiar with Nigeria’s political terrain in which arrowheads pick deputies who they feel are not that ambitious. Wike failed this test with the way he almost defeated Atiku at the PDP primary following a robust campaign.
Also, the Rivers governor said in the past that he was not interested in becoming anyone’s vice president. He, however, said that he would support whoever emerged as the party’s presidential flag bearer.
