Atiku: Wike, Okowa And Udom As Running Mate Divide PDP’s NWC, Governors

The possibility of either Governors Nyesom Wike, Ifeanyi Okowa or Udom Emmanuel of Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom States respectively emerging as running mate of Atiku Abubakar has caused division in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The division over who is paired with the presidential candidate of the main opposition party has caused a sharp division in the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and its governors’ forum.

Naija News had earlier reported that the PDP had set up a panel to help select a running mate for Atiku.

Although, Atiku favours Okowa, the interest of the Rivers State governor has caused ripples in the party.

According to Daily Trust, Udom Emmanuel is also being promoted by another camp in the opposition party.

Wike determination to grab the ticket of the party has divided the NWC and the party’s Governors Forum.

“Except for the national chairman, almost all members of the NWC want Wike to be considered for the position because of the role he played in the sustenance of the party.

“A similar scenario is playing out among the 13 governors of our party. Wike has six or seven governors supporting him,” a member of the PDP said.

“One of the key personalities in the committee is a former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau. They will come up with someone that has electoral value and that will be acceptable to all,” another source said.

A member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) told Daily Trust that wide consultations are being carried out to get the best running mate for Atiku.

He stated that the PDP will ensure that an acceptable running mate is selected.

“I won’t deceive you, consultation is ongoing. We have not concluded. Everybody is being carried along,” he said.