Atiku Abubarkar, Nigeria’s former Vice-President and Presidential flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party has canvassed reasons why he picked Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Akowa, over his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike.
Confidants within the PDP disclosed that after the media published the report that the vetting committee favoured Wike, the pressure was brought to bear on Atiku by party leaders opposed to the Rivers governor to reject the report.
Those opposed to their recommendation of Wike argued that he would not be a good sell to the North because of his hard stance against the Buhari administration, particularly, the court case against the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) regarding the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT).
But in selecting Okowa, Atiku noted that the support of every party leader would be required to keep the PDP united. He said: “Party unity is critical not only for us to prosecute a winning campaign but also to provide good governance that our country seriously deserves and our people earnestly yearn for.”
On why he chose Okowa, Atiku said after his wide consultations with various stakeholders and party stalwarts, it was made clear that his “running mate would have the potential to succeed him at a moment’s notice, i.e a president-in-waiting.”
According to him, Okowa possesses the admirable attributes for the position of Vice-President and has the appropriate experiences in both legislative and executive arms of governance.
Okowa, according to Atiku, is someone who will remain part of his everyday life, as they navigate the leading of a complex country such as Nigeria.
“He personifies not only the seriousness the current moment represents for our country but also the future that our young people yearn for and deserve.
“He’s a serving governor who has demonstrated in his state and through his conduct, that governance is about service to the people. I know that he will not only add excitement to our energised campaign but will also help to bring focus, discipline and stability to our government come 2023,” Atiku stated.
The former Vice President noted, “today in Nigeria, we face huge challenges, which leave us little room for drama. We have to win the elections and get to work immediately.
“My running mate has to be ready to start working with me, from day one, in addressing our country’s challenges. Nigerians will not accept anything less. That is why I promised the governors of our party that my running mate will come from among them. Our current challenges call for a government that is highly focused and disciplined,” he said.
An insider source with Atiku team noted that while Wike’s candidacy was very strong and highly spoken of, talks of his hard sell to the North were a disapproving factor.
“His courage and strength were highly recommended. Atiku would have needed someone of his caliber to be on the ticket but between Tuesday and yesterday, Wike’s virtues and value to the party were overshadowed by talks of his being highly toxic, which would not only affect acceptance of the joint ticket in the North but across other regions as well. It was a big minus.”
When asked what effect the eventual choice would have on Wike and the party, the source said: “Waziri may have reached out to the Rivers governor before he made the announcement and going forward, he will be seriously engaged as well as the Southeast to minimise protest votes from Rivers and Southeast next year. The point should, however, be made that Waziri and Okowa have come a long way with a deep personal relationship that will berth thoughtful and deep-thinking strategy for the campaign.”
