The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has picked Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.
Announcing the decision on Thursday ahead of the Friday’s INEC deadline for the submission of names of party candidates and their running mates, Atiku said the choice of Okowa was a collective decision.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please help me in welcoming the next vice president of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa,” Atiku said.
He said he consulted NWC, party governors, among others before arriving at the decision.
Praising the Delta State governor, Atiku said he settled for him because he is a man who understands what the country needs.
Earlier, the former vice president had been advised by the party’s national working committee (NWC) to pick Nyesom Wike, Rivers State governor as first choice.
Recall that Wike came second in the contest for the presidential candidate of the party at its national convention in Abuja.
Atiku emerged the presidential candidate of the party after defeating Wike and others.
Over 700 delegates participated in the exercise.
Earlier, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal had stepped down for the former vice president. Tambuwal’s decision came shortly before the actual voting commenced.