The race for the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s opposition candidate for the 2023 presidential election, is on.
The former Vice President emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer last weekend in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Atiku, from Adamawa, was declared the winner after polling 371 votes to defeat closest rival, Governor Nyesom Wike.
The Rivers helmsman got 237 votes; ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, 70; Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, 38.
Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed scored 20 votes, while former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim secured 14.
Less than 48 hours after the primary, Atiku visited other contestants for peace-building and reconciliation.
The Wazirin Adamawa, accompanied by close associates, sought their support to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) next February.
In 2015, the party dethroned the PDP which had been in power since the return to democracy, resulting in the emergence of the President Muhammadu Buhari government.
The primary of the APC, also slated for Abuja, will be held in three days’ time. With all eyes on the ruling platform, the Atiku camp too is waiting to see where the ticket will swing.
The retired Customs chief, who could have again picked Peter Obi as his running mate, is looking towards the South-East and South-South.
Atiku selected Obi after the 2014 Port Harcourt primary but the ex-Anambra Governor is now Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate. He dumped the PDP days before the national convention.
Sources told DAILY POST that the former VP might have pruned his shortlist to three – Governors Emmanuel, Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and ex-Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
Both in second term, Emmanuel and Okowa are considered to have performed above average and would certainly get the support of their colleagues.
Not only that, they have a calm demeanor and are in charge of oil-rich states. This means they can go into the election with a massive war chest, a major plus in Nigerian politics.