The African Democratic Congress, ADC, primary elections are over and attention now turns to who will be the running mate of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku had selected the current Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as his running mate in 2019, and the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate in the 2023 polls.
Few weeks ago, Atiku emerged as the flag bearer of the ADC after winning the highest votes in the party’s primary election.
He is said to be considering a move to the South-East with names like the Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha mentioned.
In the midst of those speculations, the Director of Politics at Arise News, Sumner Sambo had said Okonjo-Iweala distanced herself from such a move saying she was not willing to abandon her current post as WTO DG for a Nigerian political contest.
On March 1, 2021, Okonjo-Iweala became the first woman and the first African to head the world trade organization as DG of WTO.
She was appointed director-general for her second term in September 2023, and her term expires in 2029.
But Sambo said she had passed her position directly to the Atiku’s camp.
“Okonjo-Iweala is not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as DG of the World Trade Organisation to actually consider that,” Sambo said.
“She has let it be known to them and that is understandable because she has just come back in September last year and she has got tenure that will go for a second term until 2029.”
Emeka Ihedioha
One of the names that dominated is the immediate past governor of Imo State and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Ihedioha, who is also a member of the ADC, is believed to be among those the former Vice President is quietly assessing as his likely running mate.
South South connection with Amaechi
While there are speculations that Atiku is eyeing the Southeast, there are claims that he has extended his searchlight to the South South region.
Atiku is said to be considering another presidential aspirant, the former Minister of Transportation and two-term governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
The ADC presidential candidate met Amaechi in closed door meeting on Monday but details of the meeting were never made public.
But some think it has everything to do with the choice of Atiku’s running mate.
APC chieftain, Eli: Southeast running mate will not get Atiku votes
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sogbeye Eli, has said that picking a running mate from the Southeast will not earn Atiku many votes in 2027 due to the influence of Obi in the region.
“Atiku has no space for votes from a vice-presidential candidate from both the South-East and South-West,” he said in an interview.
Dele Momodu declares himself Atiku’s running mate
Amid the political uncertainty, a chieftain of the ADC and former presidential candidate, Dele Momodu had posted a flyer on his social media page where he was portrayed as Atiku’s running mate.
Momodu wrote alongside the flyer: “The Attraction of Atiku Abubakar/Dele Momodu ticket”, “The right choice for a greater Nigeria.”
Spare tyre will not determine Atiku’s choice of running mate – Aide
Reacting to the speculations, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the ADC presidential candidate would choose his running mate based on competence and not on the usual basis of “spare tyre.”
Speaking with Shaibu said: “It is far too early to speculate on specific regions or individuals regarding the Vice Presidential slot.
“That decision will ultimately be driven by what best serves the national interest and strengthens the mission of rescuing Nigeria.
“What I can assure you is that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar knows the great task of leadership. He knows that Nigeria today requires a competent, experienced and capable team.
So I do not expect the selection of a running mate to be based on symbolism or the outdated notion of a ‘spare tyre.’ Nigeria needs a governing team not a sole administrator.
“The Vice President must be someone who can make a significant contribution to governance, policy formulation, economic management, national cohesion and the overall task of rebuilding the country.
“When the time comes, Nigerians will see a decision based on merit, capacity and national interest.”
Atiku’s best option for choosing running mate is from Southeast – Lawyer
A lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, added his voice to the debate, saying if Atiku wants national cohesion and political balance, choosing his running mate from the Southeast is his “strongest option”.
Idam said Atiku may pose a serious challenge to Obi’s presidential ambition if he chooses a running mate from the Southeast.
“If the objectives are equity, national cohesion and political balance in the event of victory, then Atiku’s best choice may be to pick a running mate from the South-East.
“The South-East would need meaningful representation in his administration to make them feel included and part of the nation.
Any northern presidential ticket without a South-East representation is likely to be greeted with criticism and apathy by a large chunk of the South-East electorate.
“Further, if Atiku is serious about challenging the influence of Peter Obi in the region, choosing a running mate from the South-East could be a strategic necessity.
“Without such a move, it may be difficult to secure the constitutionally required spread of votes, including a substantial share from the region in the 2027 elections.
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