2023 Presidency: PDP settles for Wike as Atiku’s running mate – Sources

Barring any last-minute changes, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) is set to announce Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State as its vice presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 presidential election, The Witness reports citing internal sources.

It was gathered that Wike was selected at a closed door meeting held by a committee set up to oversee the selection process on Tuesday.

The Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa was also considered for the position but several ranking members of the party opted for Wike who mounted a vigorous, well oiled campaign for the presidential ticket.

The Committee on Atiku’s running mate, this newspaper gathered voted 16 to 3 votes in favour Governor Wike, who is also the runner up to Atiku in the PDP presidential primary.

The committee was earlier given the task to come up with three names for consideration as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate, by the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

A source close to the committee, revealed that the committee had to settle for Governor Wike, following his contributions to the development of the party.

The National Chairman of the PDP Iyorchia Ayu, while addressing the committee headed by deputy national Chairman, Umaru Damagun, earlier, tasked the committee to come up with Atiku’s running mate for the party’s consideration.

Members of the committee include former Senate President, David Mark, House Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Bauchi State Governor,
Bala Mohammed and Philip Aduda

Others include former governor of Niger State, Babagida Aliyu, former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, former Cross Rivers State Governor, liyel Imoke and former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko,

Others are the PDP National Secretary, Sam Nwayanu, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature.

The Rivers State governor made headlines after he emerged second in the party’s presidential primaries.

It was widely speculated that he would have won the exercise if not for the decision by fellow aspirant and former ally, Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal to step down for Atiku.

More to come…