PDP Speaks On Emergence Of Wike As Atiku’s Running Mate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied reports that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has emerged as the running mate to the party’s flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, made this known in an interview on Arise News on Wednesday.

Naija News earlier reported that the PDP committee set up to recommend a Vice-presidential candidate for Atiku has reportedly picked Wike as his running mate.

While picking Wike as its first option, the panel said the governor as the vice-presidential candidate will do better for the ticket than his other challengers.

Other candidates considered for the PDP presidential ticket are Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.

But according to Ologunagba, the report that Wike had been chosen as the running mate to Atiku is just mere rumour and speculation.

He stated that the PDP would announce the running mate to its presidential candidate after the panel constituted to look for a suitable candidate is done with its assignment.

The PDP spokesman said the party would let Nigerians know who has been chosen as Atiku’s running mate at the appropriate time.

Ologunagba added that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) will be meeting this morning (Wednesday) on the choice of a suitable candidate.

He said: “We have a process as a party, because we are organic. We follow through the processes. We recognize the importance of participatory democracy, ensuring that every stakeholder and organ of the party is involved in our decision-making process,”

“This is the beginning of the process, consideration and advisory body need to get to the level where, in consultation with the presidential candidate, they will deliberate on who is most suitable. That process is ongoing, so any report of a particular candidate at this point is probably premature.

“We do our things in processes, the process doesn’t just come like you press a computer and get an answer. We follow the process, because human elements are involved, with interests and concerns. We have considered all interests of the country, particularly in terms of unity and capacity.”